Foodborne Illness Findings and Preventing Costly Food and Beverage Recalls

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases each year in the United States alone.

To help recognize foodborne illness trends, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) was established in July 1995 as a collaborative program among CDC, 10 state health departments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FoodNet conducts surveillance for Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Listeria, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157, and non-O157, Shigella, Vibrio and Yersinia infections diagnosed through laboratory testing of samples from patients.

FoodNet’s 2018 preliminary surveillance data found that Campylobacter infections have been the most commonly identified infection in their sites since 2013 and the incidence appears to be increasing. Salmonella infections are the second most common. The incidence has not declined when compared to the previous three years of data. FoodNet’s 2018 surveillance also found that the incidence of Cyclospora infections increased “markedly,” in part due to large outbreaks associated with produce.

If these or other microorganisms contaminate a food or beverage, a product recall often occurs. Not only are foodborne illnesses devastating to those infected, the cost and damaged reputation to companies involved can be significant. In 2012, the Food Marketing Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers Association estimated that the average direct cost of a food recall at that time was approximately $10 million. Indirect costs could substantially add to this number.

The scientists at MPL Laboratories work with food manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and importers to avoid recalls and illnesses due to microbial contamination. MPL provides comprehensive microbial and sterility analysis for a broad spectrum of contaminants and pathogens in raw materials, finished products, and from production processes in their state-of-the-art testing facility.

To learn more about this or other food, beverage, supplement, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or consumer product testing services provided by MPL Laboratories, please visit www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874 or email  info@MPLLaboratories.com .


About MPL Laboratories
MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA and DEA registered, and NJDEP certified. MPL’s staff includes a PhD Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists, and other dedicated scientists. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetic, personal care and food industries. MPL aims to provide its clients with high quality, reliable test data in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of over 40 laboratories across the United States and Canada.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

MPL Laboratories

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail