FoodNet: overview of a decade of achievement

The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) performs active, population-based laboratory surveillance for nine common foodborne pathogens and one syndrome in a catchment area of 44.5 million persons. FoodNet surveillance data are an important resource for examining trends in specific diseases over time. Population surveys and laboratory surveys have been used to estimate the burden of disease, for example that there are 38.6 cases of Salmonella infection for each reported case. FoodNet case-control studies have identified new risk factors for E. coli O157, Campylobacter, and several Salmonella serotypes. FoodNet sites have demonstrated the value of delivered stool kits for improving the rate of confirming an etiology in foodborne disease outbreaks. FoodNet helps build capacity for foodborne disease surveillance in participating sites and through close collaborations with PulseNet, EHS-Net, Global SalmSurv, and other partners.