Overview

A foodborne disease outbreak occurs when two or more people develop illness after consuming the same contaminated food or drink. These incidents must be reported to health authorities because they can spread quickly and affect many people.

Foodborne outbreaks can be caused by:

• Infectious agents – Bacteria (like Salmonella or E. coli), viruses (like norovirus), and parasites that contaminate food.
• Toxins – Some foods naturally produce harmful toxins, while others become toxic due to improper storage, bacterial growth, or contamination from mold (such as aflatoxins in grains and nuts).
• Chemical contamination – Pesticides, cleaning agents, and heavy metals can sometimes find their way into food, making it unsafe to eat.

How It Spreads

Foodborne diseases can spread in several ways, including:

• Poor food handling – Not washing hands, dirty cooking surfaces, or using unclean utensils.
• Undercooked or raw foods – Meat, eggs, seafood, and unpasteurized dairy can harbor harmful bacteria.
• Cross-contamination – Germs from raw food spreading to cooked food through hands, surfaces, or utensils.
• Unsafe food sources – Contaminated water, spoiled food, or items stored at unsafe temperatures.
• Pest contamination – Rodents, flies, and cockroaches can carry bacteria and spread it to food if proper pest control measures are not in place.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary based on the cause but often include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps and diarrhea
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue and dehydration

Some toxins and bacterial infections can cause severe complications, including organ damage and neurological issues, requiring urgent medical attention.

Prevention & Treatment

To reduce the risk of foodborne illness:

• Wash hands, utensils, and cooking surfaces before and after handling food.
• Cook food thoroughly to recommended temperatures.
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
• Refrigerate perishable foods promptly and avoid leaving them out too long.
• Store food properly to prevent mold growth and toxin formation.
• Implement pest control – Keep kitchens clean, seal food containers, and eliminate sources of infestation like standing water and garbage.