People contract food poisoning after consuming food or drink contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. Those most susceptible to foodborne illnesses are small children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions or compromised immune symptoms. Here we explore just how often food poisoning occurs with these Food Poisoning Statistics.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year roughly one out of six Americans (that’s almost 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases. Right now, there are 31 known agents of foodborne illness that are the most important.
Pathogen | Estimated Number of Illnesses |
Norovirus | 5,461,731 |
Salmonella, nontyphoidal | 1,027,561 |
Clostridium perfringens | 965,958 |
Campylobacter ssp. | 845,024 |
Staphylococcus aureus | 241,148 |
Pathogen | Estimated Number of Hospitalizations |
Salmonella, nontyphoidal | 19,336 |
Norovirus | 14,663 |
Campylobacter ssp. | 8,463 |
Toxoplasma gondii | 4,428 |
E. coli (STEC) O157 | 2,138 |
Pathogen | Estimated Number of Hospitalizations |
Salmonella, nontyphoidal | 378 |
Toxoplasma gondii | 327 |
Listeria monocytogenes | 255 |
Norovirus | 149 |
Campylobacter ssp. | 76 |
The CDC conducted a study between 1998 to 2008 to develop estimates of the food sources that most commonly cause foodborne illnesses. Here is what was discovered:
If you or someone you love has been seriously harmed by food poisoning, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help you obtain compensation. Contact us today for your free consultation.
As I sit today and listen to the sound of jars sealing and the heavenly…
A report from the nonprofit group, U.S. Public Research Interest Group Education Fund, released this…
When two or more people become sick with the same strain of a commonly associated…
H-E-B issued a voluntary recall on April 27, 2024 for select ice cream products due…
Gibson Farms linked to walnut E. coli outbreak. E. coli in walnuts? Gibson Farms issued…
Put down those walnuts! Check your pantries. The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state…