Foodborne disease surveillance annual summary 1980

In 1980 there were 612 outbreaks (13,791 cases) of foodborne disease reported to the Centers for Disease Control. In 36% of the outbreaks, the etiology was confirmed. Bacterial pathogens accounted for 136 outbreaks (6,891 cases). The most frequently isolated bacterial pathogen was Salmonella (39 outbreaks), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (24 outbreaks), and Clostridium perfringens (25 outbreaks). Chemical agents were responsible for 61 outbreaks (635 cases), with scombroid poisoning the most common chemical etiology. Food was eaten in a restaurant in 54% of outbreaks, and the most common contributing factor was improper holding temperature (75%).SUGGESTED CITATION: Centers for Disease Control: Foodborne Disease Outbreaks. Annual Suminary 1980. Issued February 1983.I. Summary -- II. Introduction -- III. Foodborne Disease Outbreaks.198