What Is a Food Outbreak?
A food outbreak is when two or more people get the same illness from eating the same contaminated food or drink. Public health agencies investigate these events to identify the source and stop further spread.
Common Causes of Foodborne Illness
Outbreaks are often caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, or by viruses like norovirus. Contamination can happen during growing, processing, or cooking, especially when food is handled improperly or kept at unsafe temperatures.
Symptoms and Prevention Tips
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, often appearing hours to days after eating. To reduce risk, wash hands and surfaces often, cook food to safe internal temperatures, and avoid cross-contamination. For guidance, visit the CDC food safety page.
