foodborne outbreak
Description:
Two or more people developing the same foodborne illness after eating or drinking the same food
Context:
A foodborne outbreak happens when several people get sick from eating the same contaminated food. The contamination can come from bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, or toxins in the food.
EFSA studies foodborne outbreaks to identify the source and cause, track how the contamination spreads through the food chain, and provide scientific advice to prevent future outbreaks. They also support risk assessments, monitoring, and public health guidance to keep food safe for consumers across the EU.