Foodborne Disease Surveillance

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Foodborne Disease Surveillance

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Background

Worldwide, foodborne diseases, and more especially diarrhoeal diseases, are an important cause of morbidity and mortality.

In developed countries, surveillance of foodborne disease is a fundamental component of food safety systems. Surveillance data are used for planning, implementing and evaluating public health policies. There is therefore a strong need to strengthen surveillance systems for foodborne disease.

WHO is developing a comprehensive strategy on strengthening foodborne disease surveillance.

Among the most virulent foodborne diseases and foodborne pathogens causing disease are:

:: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
:: Campylobacter
:: Escherichia coli infections
:: Salmonella
:: Shigella species