With approximately 76 million cases and as many as 5000 deaths annually in the United States, understanding and identifying the antecedents of foodborne illness (FBI) is of utmost importance. Along with these reported cases of illness, 325,000 hospitalizations annually contribute to lost work days, impacts on the healthcare delivery system, economic impacts to the food industry and an understandable loss of public confidence in the quality of our national food supply. The annual medical costs and economic losses due to FBI are estimated to be from $6.6 to $37.1 billion. The restaurant industry is an important component of the food production process and represents a significant potential for the occurrence of FBI. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 44% of reported illnesses are traced to food eaten in retail establishments. Since most states have adopted the 1999 Food Code, similar practices in the preparation and handling of food are being practiced across the country. This study is designed to address the relationship between food policy changes and industry performance by examining issues related to food safety at retail establishments. Preliminary findings found by reviewing inspection reports of retail facilities suggest that there is a definitive gap between the process designed to protect the health of the public and the incidence of FBI.
Learning Objectives: 1. Provide insight into the magnitude and the impact of FBI in the United States today. 2. Identify the challenges and barriers to reducing the prevalence of FBI within the retail food establishments. 3. Identify methodologies that local health departments and sanitarians can use to reduce the prevalence of FBI from retail eating establishments.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.