FOODBORNE DISEASE OUTBREAKS - EPIDEMIOLOGIC INVESTIGATIONS

The occurence of foodborne disease outbreaks (FDO) is increasing in industrialized countries. Most of these outbreaks (2/3) are notified from restaurants and other commercial establishments but more and more from households. Salmonella is the major agent of FDO, especially S. enteritidis for five years. However, its role may be overestimated because inadequate microbiological techniques routinely performed. Despite recent progress, several outbreaks still go unnoticed. Every outbreak should be early investigated, with methodical collection of clinical, bacteriological and food data, followed by statistical analysis. Once identified the responsible pathogen, the contaminated food, the source of contamination and the bacterial growth enhancing factors, rapid control measures can prevent further epidemics. Compulsory notification of all FDO to the public health services is the condition for the reliability of a national surveillance programme.