A decade ago, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) calculated that 76 million Americans fell ill from food poisoning each year, resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Today, according to calculations that the Associated Press made based on the CDC formula and current population estimates, those numbers have risen to nearly 87 million cases, 371,000 hospitalizations and 5,700 deaths. Scientists report that there are more than 250 food-related types of illnesses caused by bacteria, parasites and by viruses, the most common of which are "Norwalk-like viruses." The CDC estimates that Norwalk viruses, which were first identified during an outbreak in Norwalk, Ohio in 1972, account for about 65 percent of all known food-poisoning cases.

Unfortunately, the prevalence of food poisoning is most likely much higher, as many people become ill without ever seeing a doctor. In fact, health officials estimate that for every case of salmonella, three dozen go unreported. That would mean that the most recent peanut-related outbreak really affected 20,000 people, not just the 640 confirmed cases and 9 confirmed deaths. Moreover, this particular outbreak was especially unsettling because it involved prepackaged food - food consumers assumed to be safe. 

Why has food poisoning become so widespread, affecting one in four Americans each year? One reason is that some of our food comes from beyond our national borders. When asked about the U.S. food supply, Dr. Robert Tauxe, a CDC expert on the subject, said: "I usually say it is one of the safest in the world. But increasingly, our food supply is the world."

Health experts suggest these simple guidelines to reduce the risk of getting or spreading the infection: wash hands thoroughly after visiting the rest room and before preparing food; make sure food preparation surfaces are clean; avoid drinking untreated water; and cook shellfish thoroughly before eating. And people who experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should not attend school or work and should not handle food for others while ill.

News Release: Reality check: 1 in 4 Americans fall ill from food poisoning each year www.godlikeproductions.com February 22, 2009