Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report entitled, "Preliminary Incidence and Trends of Infections with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food – Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2015-2018" (the Report). The Report summarizes data collected by the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), which tracks infections caused by eight pathogens in ten sites covering approximately 15% of the U.S. population. The Report summarizes preliminary 2018 data and changes since 2015. The Report reflects an overall upward trend in foodborne illness incidence rates, although CDC notes that trend may at least partly reflect increased testing. The Report is part of an ongoing effort by CDC to review and update its foodborne illness findings periodically.
The Report is focused on illness trends by pathogen rather than product commodity. However, CDC identifies produce, raw chicken, raw meat, and eggs, as potentially significant drivers of foodborne illness, and the Report calls for greater control measures for these products.
In total, FoodNet identified 25,606 infections, 5,893 hospitalizations, and 120 deaths in 2018. The attached Table 1 and Figure 1 reflect key data from the Report.
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