GITNUXREPORT 2026

Food Safety Statistics

Foodborne illnesses cause widespread global harm and significant economic losses annually.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Salmonella enteritidis causes 142,000 US illnesses yearly

Statistic 2

Norovirus responsible for 58% of US foodborne illnesses per CDC

Statistic 3

Clostridium perfringens causes 966,000 US cases annually

Statistic 4

Staphylococcus aureus leads to 241,000 US illnesses yearly

Statistic 5

Cyclospora cayetanensis causes 1,135 US cases per CDC

Statistic 6

Vibrio species cause 52,000 US illnesses annually

Statistic 7

Yersinia enterocolitica results in 117,000 US cases yearly

Statistic 8

Toxoplasma gondii infects 50% of world population via food

Statistic 9

Globally, Campylobacter most common bacterial pathogen per WHO

Statistic 10

In EU, Campylobacter reported 278,000 cases in 2022

Statistic 11

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) caused 2,500 EU cases in 2022

Statistic 12

Listeria monocytogenes led to 2,648 EU cases in 2022 with 17% fatality

Statistic 13

Hepatitis A virus causes 1.4 million foodborne cases globally yearly

Statistic 14

Chemical contaminants like heavy metals affect 10 million globally per WHO

Statistic 15

Mycotoxins contaminate 25% of world grains

Statistic 16

Prions in BSE caused 178 human vCJD cases historically

Statistic 17

Parasites like Taenia solium cause 2.8 million cases yearly

Statistic 18

Aflatoxins linked to 25,200-155,000 annual deaths

Statistic 19

In US, poultry is source of 23% Salmonella illnesses

Statistic 20

Eggs cause 27% of Salmonella enteritidis cases per CDC

Statistic 21

Produce accounts for 46% of US foodborne illnesses per CDC

Statistic 22

Beef linked to 13% of foodborne illnesses in US

Statistic 23

Dairy products cause 11% of outbreaks per CDC

Statistic 24

Turkey associated with 8% of illnesses

Statistic 25

Pork causes 6% of US foodborne cases

Statistic 26

Fish and shellfish lead to 6% of illnesses

Statistic 27

In restaurants, 60% of outbreaks from improper cooking

Statistic 28

Cross-contamination causes 30% of home kitchen illnesses

Statistic 29

In EU, eggs source of 44.8% Salmonella outbreaks in 2022

Statistic 30

Meat and meat products caused 25% of EU outbreaks

Statistic 31

Fruits and vegetables linked to 10% of EU cases

Statistic 32

Bakery products caused 12% of outbreaks in EU

Statistic 33

Globally, 20% of food contamination from water used in production

Statistic 34

Pesticide residues exceed MRLs in 3.6% of EU samples

Statistic 35

29% of US chicken contaminated with Campylobacter

Statistic 36

70% of US ground turkey has Salmonella or Campylobacter

Statistic 37

Listeria found in 8% of US deli meats

Statistic 38

25% of sprouts contaminated with pathogens per FDA

Statistic 39

US foodborne illnesses cost $15.5 billion annually in medical and productivity losses

Statistic 40

Globally, foodborne diseases cause $110 billion in productivity losses yearly

Statistic 41

In US, Salmonella outbreaks cost $2.3 billion per year

Statistic 42

Norovirus illnesses lead to $5.6 billion US economic burden annually

Statistic 43

EU foodborne illnesses cost €12 billion yearly in health and productivity

Statistic 44

Listeria outbreaks cost $60,000 per case in US hospitalizations

Statistic 45

Recalls cost US food industry $10 billion annually

Statistic 46

In developing countries, child foodborne deaths cost 3% GDP

Statistic 47

US poultry industry loses $1.5 billion yearly to Salmonella

Statistic 48

E. coli O157 outbreaks average $4.1 million per incident

Statistic 49

Global seafood trade loses $10 billion due to safety issues

Statistic 50

UK foodborne illness costs £2.7 billion per year

Statistic 51

Food safety inspections save US $6.9 per $1 spent

Statistic 52

Cyclospora outbreaks cost $12,000 per case in lost productivity

Statistic 53

Dairy recalls average $100 million per major event

Statistic 54

Produce industry loses $6 billion yearly to outbreaks

Statistic 55

HACCP implementation saves seafood firms $3 billion annually

Statistic 56

In Australia, foodborne illness costs AUD 2.1 billion yearly

Statistic 57

Canada’s food recalls cost $500 million in 2022

Statistic 58

In 2022, the CDC reported 8,465 foodborne illness outbreaks in the US, affecting 265,551 people with 3,563 hospitalizations and 57 deaths

Statistic 59

Globally, WHO estimates 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, leading to 420,000 deaths, including 125,000 child deaths under 5

Statistic 60

In the EU, EFSA documented 5,109 foodborne outbreaks in 2022, sickening 51,000 people and causing 69 deaths

Statistic 61

USDA estimates 1 in 6 Americans (48 million) suffer foodborne illness yearly

Statistic 62

In 2021, Canada reported 1,369 confirmed foodborne illness cases from outbreaks

Statistic 63

Australia’s OzFoodNet recorded 2,500 laboratory-confirmed cases from 150 outbreaks in 2022

Statistic 64

In India, FSSAI estimates 100 million foodborne illness cases annually

Statistic 65

Brazil reported 12,000 foodborne disease notifications in 2022 per Ministry of Health

Statistic 66

UK FSA logged 84,870 foodborne illnesses in 2022

Statistic 67

In China, 15 million food poisoning cases reported yearly by CFDA

Statistic 68

Mexico’s SSA recorded 25,000 foodborne outbreaks in 2021 affecting 200,000

Statistic 69

South Africa’s NICD reported 1,200 lab-confirmed cases from outbreaks in 2022

Statistic 70

Japan’s MHLW noted 1,800 foodborne outbreaks in 2022 sickening 10,000

Statistic 71

In 2023, FDA investigated 1,200 foodborne outbreaks linked to 40 recalls

Statistic 72

PAHO estimates 200 million annual cases in Americas

Statistic 73

Nigeria’s NAFDAC reported 5,000 food poisoning incidents in 2022

Statistic 74

Russia’s Rospотребnadzor logged 8,000 outbreaks in 2022

Statistic 75

In 2022, Thailand’s DMH reported 30,000 foodborne cases

Statistic 76

Egypt’s MOHP noted 15,000 gastroenteritis cases from food in 2022

Statistic 77

In 2021, New Zealand had 1,400 notified cases from 120 outbreaks

Statistic 78

CDC attributes 28% of foodborne illnesses to norovirus annually

Statistic 79

In EU-27, 2022 saw 48,000 Salmonella cases

Statistic 80

US sees 1.35 million Salmonella illnesses yearly

Statistic 81

Campylobacter causes 1.5 million US cases annually per CDC

Statistic 82

E. coli O157:H7 leads to 73,000 US illnesses yearly

Statistic 83

Listeria causes 1,600 US illnesses and 260 deaths annually

Statistic 84

Globally, 220 million suffer from diarrheal diseases due to unsafe food per WHO

Statistic 85

In low-income countries, 40% of foodborne disease burden affects children under 5

Statistic 86

US retail food establishments cause 50% of outbreaks per CDC

Statistic 87

Home-prepared meals linked to 30% of US foodborne illnesses

Statistic 88

Proper cooking reduces Salmonella risk by 99%

Statistic 89

Handwashing prevents 30% of foodborne illnesses per CDC

Statistic 90

Refrigeration below 40°F stops 90% bacterial growth

Statistic 91

HACCP systems reduce outbreaks by 50% in seafood industry

Statistic 92

Pasteurization kills 99.999% Listeria in milk

Statistic 93

Irradiation reduces Salmonella in poultry by 5-log

Statistic 94

In EU, Salmonella vaccination in poultry reduced cases by 50% since 2005

Statistic 95

FDA's FSMA rules cut contamination risks by 40%

Statistic 96

Consumer education reduces home outbreaks by 25%

Statistic 97

Cleaning cutting boards with bleach solution kills 99.9% pathogens

Statistic 98

Avoiding raw milk prevents 80% of related outbreaks

Statistic 99

Rapid cooling of cooked foods prevents 70% C. perfringens growth

Statistic 100

Gloves use in food service reduces contamination by 35%

Statistic 101

WHO's Five Keys to Safer Food adopted in 100+ countries

Statistic 102

Traceability systems detect outbreaks 2 weeks faster

Statistic 103

Organic acid washes reduce E. coli on beef by 2-log

Statistic 104

UV light treatment inactivates 99% norovirus on surfaces

Statistic 105

High-pressure processing kills 5-log pathogens in juice

Statistic 106

Farmer training reduces produce contamination by 60%

Statistic 107

FDA FSMA compliance costs industry $1 billion yearly but saves $14 billion

Statistic 108

US has 1.5 million food safety inspections annually by FDA/USDA

Statistic 109

EU's RASFF notified 3,500 food safety alerts in 2022

Statistic 110

HACCP mandatory for US seafood since 1997, covering 99% processors

Statistic 111

FSMA Produce Rule covers 90% of US fresh produce

Statistic 112

USDA's NPIP reduces Salmonella in eggs by 99%

Statistic 113

EU Salmonella control targets met in 95% turkey flocks

Statistic 114

FDA tests 80,000 import entries yearly for contaminants

Statistic 115

75% of US food facilities registered under Bioterrorism Act

Statistic 116

WHO's Codex Alimentarius adopted by 189 countries

Statistic 117

Australia's FSANZ standards prevent 300,000 illnesses yearly

Statistic 118

Canada's CFIA recalls 200 products monthly average

Statistic 119

98% of EU food businesses comply with hygiene regs

Statistic 120

US Egg Safety Rule phases out salmonella-infected hens

Statistic 121

FSIS pathogen reduction cuts E. coli O157 by 80% since 1994

Statistic 122

1,200 state/local inspectors supplement federal efforts

Statistic 123

TraceOne system tracks 50 million products for compliance

Statistic 124

GFSI benchmarks 30,000 certified facilities worldwide

Statistic 125

Brazil's MAPA inspects 100% exported meat

1/125

Sources

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While shocking statistics reveal foodborne illnesses affect millions globally each year, understanding and implementing proper food safety practices is essential for protecting your health.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the CDC reported 8,465 foodborne illness outbreaks in the US, affecting 265,551 people with 3,563 hospitalizations and 57 deaths
Globally, WHO estimates 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, leading to 420,000 deaths, including 125,000 child deaths under 5
In the EU, EFSA documented 5,109 foodborne outbreaks in 2022, sickening 51,000 people and causing 69 deaths
Salmonella enteritidis causes 142,000 US illnesses yearly
Norovirus responsible for 58% of US foodborne illnesses per CDC
Clostridium perfringens causes 966,000 US cases annually
Produce accounts for 46% of US foodborne illnesses per CDC
Beef linked to 13% of foodborne illnesses in US
Dairy products cause 11% of outbreaks per CDC
Proper cooking reduces Salmonella risk by 99%
Handwashing prevents 30% of foodborne illnesses per CDC
Refrigeration below 40°F stops 90% bacterial growth
US foodborne illnesses cost $15.5 billion annually in medical and productivity losses
Globally, foodborne diseases cause $110 billion in productivity losses yearly
In US, Salmonella outbreaks cost $2.3 billion per year

Foodborne illnesses cause widespread global harm and significant economic losses annually.

Common Pathogens

Salmonella enteritidis causes 142,000 US illnesses yearly
Norovirus responsible for 58% of US foodborne illnesses per CDC
Clostridium perfringens causes 966,000 US cases annually
Staphylococcus aureus leads to 241,000 US illnesses yearly
Cyclospora cayetanensis causes 1,135 US cases per CDC
Vibrio species cause 52,000 US illnesses annually
Yersinia enterocolitica results in 117,000 US cases yearly
Toxoplasma gondii infects 50% of world population via food
Globally, Campylobacter most common bacterial pathogen per WHO
In EU, Campylobacter reported 278,000 cases in 2022
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) caused 2,500 EU cases in 2022
Listeria monocytogenes led to 2,648 EU cases in 2022 with 17% fatality
Hepatitis A virus causes 1.4 million foodborne cases globally yearly
Chemical contaminants like heavy metals affect 10 million globally per WHO
Mycotoxins contaminate 25% of world grains
Prions in BSE caused 178 human vCJD cases historically
Parasites like Taenia solium cause 2.8 million cases yearly
Aflatoxins linked to 25,200-155,000 annual deaths
In US, poultry is source of 23% Salmonella illnesses
Eggs cause 27% of Salmonella enteritidis cases per CDC

Common Pathogens Interpretation

While the theater of foodborne villains, from the sneaky norovirus to the brutal Listeria, demands respect, the starring role in our own safety is played not by fear, but by meticulous kitchen hygiene.

Contamination Sources

Produce accounts for 46% of US foodborne illnesses per CDC
Beef linked to 13% of foodborne illnesses in US
Dairy products cause 11% of outbreaks per CDC
Turkey associated with 8% of illnesses
Pork causes 6% of US foodborne cases
Fish and shellfish lead to 6% of illnesses
In restaurants, 60% of outbreaks from improper cooking
Cross-contamination causes 30% of home kitchen illnesses
In EU, eggs source of 44.8% Salmonella outbreaks in 2022
Meat and meat products caused 25% of EU outbreaks
Fruits and vegetables linked to 10% of EU cases
Bakery products caused 12% of outbreaks in EU
Globally, 20% of food contamination from water used in production
Pesticide residues exceed MRLs in 3.6% of EU samples
29% of US chicken contaminated with Campylobacter
70% of US ground turkey has Salmonella or Campylobacter
Listeria found in 8% of US deli meats
25% of sprouts contaminated with pathogens per FDA

Contamination Sources Interpretation

While your salad may be plotting a surprise attack, the real food safety villains are often a mix of undercooked restaurant meals, contaminated poultry, and the silent creep of cross-contamination in your own kitchen.

Economic Impacts

US foodborne illnesses cost $15.5 billion annually in medical and productivity losses
Globally, foodborne diseases cause $110 billion in productivity losses yearly
In US, Salmonella outbreaks cost $2.3 billion per year
Norovirus illnesses lead to $5.6 billion US economic burden annually
EU foodborne illnesses cost €12 billion yearly in health and productivity
Listeria outbreaks cost $60,000 per case in US hospitalizations
Recalls cost US food industry $10 billion annually
In developing countries, child foodborne deaths cost 3% GDP
US poultry industry loses $1.5 billion yearly to Salmonella
E. coli O157 outbreaks average $4.1 million per incident
Global seafood trade loses $10 billion due to safety issues
UK foodborne illness costs £2.7 billion per year
Food safety inspections save US $6.9 per $1 spent
Cyclospora outbreaks cost $12,000 per case in lost productivity
Dairy recalls average $100 million per major event
Produce industry loses $6 billion yearly to outbreaks
HACCP implementation saves seafood firms $3 billion annually
In Australia, foodborne illness costs AUD 2.1 billion yearly
Canada’s food recalls cost $500 million in 2022

Economic Impacts Interpretation

From Salmonella's billion-dollar bite to Norovirus's costly chaos, these staggering global figures reveal that foodborne illness is not merely a public health crisis but a voracious economic parasite feasting on our wallets and well-being.

Illness Incidence

In 2022, the CDC reported 8,465 foodborne illness outbreaks in the US, affecting 265,551 people with 3,563 hospitalizations and 57 deaths
Globally, WHO estimates 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, leading to 420,000 deaths, including 125,000 child deaths under 5
In the EU, EFSA documented 5,109 foodborne outbreaks in 2022, sickening 51,000 people and causing 69 deaths
USDA estimates 1 in 6 Americans (48 million) suffer foodborne illness yearly
In 2021, Canada reported 1,369 confirmed foodborne illness cases from outbreaks
Australia’s OzFoodNet recorded 2,500 laboratory-confirmed cases from 150 outbreaks in 2022
In India, FSSAI estimates 100 million foodborne illness cases annually
Brazil reported 12,000 foodborne disease notifications in 2022 per Ministry of Health
UK FSA logged 84,870 foodborne illnesses in 2022
In China, 15 million food poisoning cases reported yearly by CFDA
Mexico’s SSA recorded 25,000 foodborne outbreaks in 2021 affecting 200,000
South Africa’s NICD reported 1,200 lab-confirmed cases from outbreaks in 2022
Japan’s MHLW noted 1,800 foodborne outbreaks in 2022 sickening 10,000
In 2023, FDA investigated 1,200 foodborne outbreaks linked to 40 recalls
PAHO estimates 200 million annual cases in Americas
Nigeria’s NAFDAC reported 5,000 food poisoning incidents in 2022
Russia’s Rospотребnadzor logged 8,000 outbreaks in 2022
In 2022, Thailand’s DMH reported 30,000 foodborne cases
Egypt’s MOHP noted 15,000 gastroenteritis cases from food in 2022
In 2021, New Zealand had 1,400 notified cases from 120 outbreaks
CDC attributes 28% of foodborne illnesses to norovirus annually
In EU-27, 2022 saw 48,000 Salmonella cases
US sees 1.35 million Salmonella illnesses yearly
Campylobacter causes 1.5 million US cases annually per CDC
E. coli O157:H7 leads to 73,000 US illnesses yearly
Listeria causes 1,600 US illnesses and 260 deaths annually
Globally, 220 million suffer from diarrheal diseases due to unsafe food per WHO
In low-income countries, 40% of foodborne disease burden affects children under 5
US retail food establishments cause 50% of outbreaks per CDC
Home-prepared meals linked to 30% of US foodborne illnesses

Illness Incidence Interpretation

It seems the universally comforting idea of a home-cooked meal is, statistically speaking, a global recipe for a staggering amount of entirely preventable disaster.

Prevention Measures

Proper cooking reduces Salmonella risk by 99%
Handwashing prevents 30% of foodborne illnesses per CDC
Refrigeration below 40°F stops 90% bacterial growth
HACCP systems reduce outbreaks by 50% in seafood industry
Pasteurization kills 99.999% Listeria in milk
Irradiation reduces Salmonella in poultry by 5-log
In EU, Salmonella vaccination in poultry reduced cases by 50% since 2005
FDA's FSMA rules cut contamination risks by 40%
Consumer education reduces home outbreaks by 25%
Cleaning cutting boards with bleach solution kills 99.9% pathogens
Avoiding raw milk prevents 80% of related outbreaks
Rapid cooling of cooked foods prevents 70% C. perfringens growth
Gloves use in food service reduces contamination by 35%
WHO's Five Keys to Safer Food adopted in 100+ countries
Traceability systems detect outbreaks 2 weeks faster
Organic acid washes reduce E. coli on beef by 2-log
UV light treatment inactivates 99% norovirus on surfaces
High-pressure processing kills 5-log pathogens in juice
Farmer training reduces produce contamination by 60%

Prevention Measures Interpretation

While the battle against invisible kitchen invaders may lack the glamour of a spy thriller, the data clearly suggests our arsenal is formidable: we have science-backed ways to slash risks at every step, proving that food safety is not magic but a series of very deliberate, very effective habits and interventions.

Regulatory Compliance

FDA FSMA compliance costs industry $1 billion yearly but saves $14 billion
US has 1.5 million food safety inspections annually by FDA/USDA
EU's RASFF notified 3,500 food safety alerts in 2022
HACCP mandatory for US seafood since 1997, covering 99% processors
FSMA Produce Rule covers 90% of US fresh produce
USDA's NPIP reduces Salmonella in eggs by 99%
EU Salmonella control targets met in 95% turkey flocks
FDA tests 80,000 import entries yearly for contaminants
75% of US food facilities registered under Bioterrorism Act
WHO's Codex Alimentarius adopted by 189 countries
Australia's FSANZ standards prevent 300,000 illnesses yearly
Canada's CFIA recalls 200 products monthly average
98% of EU food businesses comply with hygiene regs
US Egg Safety Rule phases out salmonella-infected hens
FSIS pathogen reduction cuts E. coli O157 by 80% since 1994
1,200 state/local inspectors supplement federal efforts
TraceOne system tracks 50 million products for compliance
GFSI benchmarks 30,000 certified facilities worldwide
Brazil's MAPA inspects 100% exported meat

Regulatory Compliance Interpretation

While the one-billion-dollar price tag for FDA FSMA compliance might seem steep, it's a remarkably savvy investment that buys fourteen billion dollars in savings, proving that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—and a mountain of avoided recalls.

Sources & References

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