CDC Reduces Food Safety Monitoring, Now Tracks Only Two of Eight Major Infections

health surveillance. Learn how this impacts food safety and what it means for you.">

August 28, 2025

Washington D.C. – In a move that has raised alarms among public health advocates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented a significant reduction in its active surveillance of foodborne illnesses in July. The agency has narrowed its focus from monitoring eight key pathogens to just two: Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). This change impacts the Foodborne Diseases active Surveillance Network,or FoodNet,which tracks infection trends across ten states and represents roughly 16 percent of the United States population – approximately 54 million Americans.

What Was Previously Monitored?

Previously, FoodNet actively tracked a extensive range of foodborne threats, including Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Listeria, Salmonella, STEC, Shigella, vibrio, and Yersinia. These pathogens collectively contribute to a ample burden of foodborne disease in the country, causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year. Now, the surveillance network will no longer proactively investigate outbreaks and track trends for Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Listeria, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia.

Funding Shortfalls Cited as the Primary cause

Internal documents obtained from the CDC indicate that insufficient funding is the driving force behind this curtailment. Talking points distributed to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, a participating entity in FoodNet, explicitly stated that “Funding has not kept pace with the resources required to maintain the continuation of FoodNet surveillance for all eight pathogens.” This acknowledgement comes amid broader concerns of budget constraints impacting federal agencies, including reported personnel losses at the CDC this year.

A CDC Spokesperson, however, assured that the agency would maintain the infrastructure and quality of the FoodNet programme. He stated that concentrating resources on Salmonella and STEC will enable staff to concentrate on core activities.

Did You Know? salmonella and STEC are consistently among the most frequently reported and severe foodborne pathogens in the united States, making them logical priorities for continued surveillance.

A look at the Shift: FoodNet Surveillance Changes

Previously Monitored	Currently Monitored
Campylobacter	Salmonella
Cyclospora	STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli)
Listeria
STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli)
Shigella
Vibrio
Yersinia

Implications for Public Health

Reducing surveillance for these pathogens could have consequences.Without the consistent, active monitoring that FoodNet previously provided, identifying and responding to outbreaks of these less-tracked illnesses could be delayed.This, in turn, could lead to more widespread illness and increased hospitalizations. Experts note that a comprehensive understanding of all foodborne threats is essential for developing effective prevention strategies and protecting public health.

Pro Tip: Consumers can reduce their risk of foodborne illness by practicing proper food safety measures at home, including thorough cooking, careful hygiene, and preventing cross-contamination.

Are you concerned about the CDC’s reduced foodborne illness tracking? What steps can individuals take to better protect themselves from foodborne diseases?

Understanding Foodborne Illnesses

foodborne illnesses are a significant public health concern in the United States, affecting millions of people each year.The CDC estimates that approximately 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses annually, leading to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, although more severe complications can occur, particularly in vulnerable populations like young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Recent data from the CDC indicates a rise in certain foodborne illnesses, such as Cyclospora, linked to imported produce.This highlights the importance of robust surveillance systems and international collaboration to prevent and control these outbreaks and maintain a safe food supply.

Frequently Asked Questions About FoodNet and Foodborne Illnesses

• What is foodnet? FoodNet is the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, a collaborative network tracking foodborne illnesses across ten states.
• Why is foodborne illness surveillance critically important? Surveillance helps identify outbreaks, monitor trends, and inform prevention efforts.
• What pathogens are now being monitored by FoodNet? Currently, FoodNet is focused on Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
• What caused the reduction in FoodNet’s scope? funding limitations are cited as the primary reason.
• How can I protect myself from foodborne illness? Practice safe food handling, cook food thoroughly, and wash hands frequently.

share your thoughts and concerns about this developing story in the comments below. Your insights are valuable.

What are the potential public health consequences of the CDC reducing surveillance of foodborne illnesses to only *Salmonella* and *E. coli*?

The Shift in CDC Foodborne Illness Surveillance

Recent reports indicate a critically important reduction in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) food safety monitoring efforts.Previously tracking eight major foodborne infections, the CDC now focuses surveillance on only two: Salmonella and E. coli. This change raises concerns among food safety advocates and public health experts regarding potential increases in illnesses from pathogens like Listeria, Campylobacter, Vibrio, Shigella, Cyclospora, and Norovirus. The CDC’s decision, announced earlier this year, stems from funding constraints and a restructuring of priorities within the agency. Understanding the implications of this shift is crucial for consumers, food producers, and healthcare professionals alike.

Which Pathogens Are No Longer Actively Tracked?

The CDC’s reduced surveillance impacts the monitoring of several key foodborne pathogens.Hear’s a breakdown:

Campylobacter: A common cause of diarrheal illness, frequently enough linked to poultry.

Listeria: Especially risky for pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems; often found in ready-to-eat foods.

Vibrio: Associated with contaminated seafood, especially oysters.

Shigella: Highly contagious and causes severe dysentery.

Cyclospora: Linked to imported fresh produce, causing prolonged diarrheal illness.

Norovirus: the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States, known for its rapid spread.

While the CDC maintains it will still investigate outbreaks of these pathogens when they occur, the proactive, ongoing surveillance has been significantly curtailed.This means identifying emerging trends and potential sources of contamination will be more challenging.

Why the Reduction in Surveillance?

The CDC cites budgetary limitations as the primary driver behind this change. Reduced funding for public health initiatives has forced the agency to make challenging choices about where to allocate resources. The CDC argues that focusing on Salmonella and E. coli – two pathogens responsible for a large proportion of hospitalizations and deaths – allows for the most effective use of limited resources.

However, critics argue that this approach is shortsighted. They emphasize that tracking all eight pathogens provides a more extensive picture of the food safety landscape and allows for earlier detection of potential problems. The lack of comprehensive data could hinder efforts to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health. Resources like those available at CDC Food Safety Communication Resources are now less frequently updated for the pathogens no longer actively tracked.

Impact on Foodborne illness Outbreak Investigations

The reduction in surveillance directly impacts the speed and effectiveness of foodborne illness outbreak investigations.

Delayed Detection: Without continuous monitoring, outbreaks caused by pathogens outside of Salmonella and E.coli may go undetected for longer periods.

Difficulty Identifying Sources: Tracing the source of an outbreak becomes more difficult when baseline data is lacking.

increased Risk to Vulnerable Populations: Individuals at higher risk – such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems – are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of delayed detection and response.

Strain on State and Local Health Departments: State and local health departments may be forced to shoulder a greater burden in monitoring and investigating outbreaks, possibly straining their limited resources.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

Consumers need to be more vigilant about food safety practices.Here are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself and yoru family:

Practice Safe Food Handling: thoroughly wash hands, surfaces, and produce.

Cook Food to Safe Temperatures: Use a food thermometer to ensure meat,poultry,and seafood are cooked to the recommended internal temperatures.

Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meats separate from other foods.

Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours.

Be Aware of food Recalls: Stay informed about food recalls by checking the FDA and USDA websites.

Report Suspected Foodborne Illness: If you suspect you have contracted a foodborne illness, report it to your local health department.

The Role of Food Producers and Industry

Food producers and the food industry have a critical role to play in maintaining food safety. This includes:

Implementing Robust Food Safety Systems: Utilizing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and other preventative measures.

Investing in Traceability Technologies: Improving the ability to track food products throughout the supply chain.

Collaborating with Public Health Agencies: Sharing data and working with the CDC and state health departments to identify and address food safety risks.

Prioritizing Food Safety Culture: Fostering a culture of food safety throughout the association.

Future of Food Safety Surveillance

The CDC’s decision highlights the ongoing challenges facing public health funding and the need for innovative approaches to food safety surveillance. potential solutions include:

Increased Investment in Public health: Advocating for increased funding for the CDC and state health departments.

Enhanced Data Sharing: Improving data sharing between the CDC, state health departments, and the food industry.

Development of New Surveillance Technologies: Exploring the use of genomic sequencing and other advanced technologies to track foodborne illnesses more effectively.

**Strengthening