Priority Area: Healthy Environment - Foodborne Disease
Preventing foodborne Disease
The NYSDOH is committed to preventing foodborne disease outbreaks. Surveillance is conducted for all foodborne disease outbreaks, investigating all disease agents, food sources and the places where foods are prepared or eaten. Based on analyses of surveillance information, outreach and prevention strategies are implemented. Foodborne disease outbreaks can be prevented by control or elimination of hazards using a variety of interventions.
Objectives
- By the year 2013, reduce by 10% annually the number of foodborne outbreaks to which infected food workers or improper temperatures are contributing factors. For the period 2000-2004, at total of 289 outbreaks were reported with 40 outbreaks identifying an ill worker as the contributing factor. Prevention support activities will include:
- Provide training to food service establishment inspection staff and foodborne illness outbreak investigation staff regarding the importance of rapid response and sample collection during foodborne illness outbreaks.
- Continue to work with other state and federal food protection agencies to ensure the rapid dissemination of information to prevent further spread of illness.
Data and Statistics
- Foodborne Disease Outbreaks in New York State - 2006 (Colorized) (PDF, 166KB, 29pg.)
- 2005 Foodborne Disease Outbreaks in New York State
- CDC Foodborne Disease Outbreaks
Strategies - The Evidence Base for Effective Interventions
Evidence-based and promising strategies to promote a healthy environment by reducing risks of foodborne illness are summarized in the following reports, codes and manual:
- New York State Department of Health State Sanitary Code, Part 14, Food Service Establishments
- FDA 2009 Model Food Code
- Why Outbreaks are Investigated
Partners
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
Resources
Health Disparities
- In 2006, the NYSDOH reported 84 foodborne disease outbreaks. During these outbreaks, 1,834 individuals contracted a foodborne illness, and 124 people required hospitalization. There were no deaths associated with foodborne disease outbreaks.
- A CDC report entitled, Foodborne Illness Acquired in the United States—Major Pathogens summarizes the impact of foodborne illnesses nationally.
- Prevention of foodborne outbreaks information.
More Information
Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food ProtectionNew York State Department of Health
547 River Street, Room 516
Troy, NY 12180
Environmental Health Information Line: 1-800-458-1158
email: BCEHFP@health.state.ny.us
