CDC Scales Back Foodborne Pathogen Surveillance Program

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made significant cuts to its federal-state surveillance program focused on foodborne pathogens. As of July 1, the CDC’s Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) has narrowed its scope to two primary pathogens: Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). This adjustment means that reporting cases of other pathogens, such as Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Listeria, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia, will now be optional, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This transition was initially reported by NBC News, with sources indicating that reduced federal funding for FoodNet is behind the change.

Network Coverage and State Responses

The FoodNet network operates in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture, and health departments across ten states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, and certain counties in California and New York. However, a spokesperson from the Minnesota Department of Health informed CIDRAP News that the state’s infectious disease reporting rule still mandates the reporting of all eight pathogens.

Additionally, the Maryland Health Department has affirmed its commitment to tracking all pathogens, irrespective of FoodNet’s alterations. Meanwhile, officials in Colorado have indicated potential reductions in their surveillance activities due to the updated requirements.

Rationale Behind the Changes

In a response to CIDRAP News, an HHS representative cited that FoodNet’s focus on Salmonella and STEC stems from their status as leading contributors to foodborne illnesses, hospitalizations, and fatalities in the United States. The spokesperson clarified that other surveillance systems exist to monitor the remaining pathogens, allowing FoodNet to concentrate on its core activities effectively.

A Historical Perspective on FoodNet

Established in 1995 as a response to the severe E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to Jack-in-the-Box hamburgers, FoodNet was initially developed using CDC’s Emerging Infections Program (EIP) sites. Dr. Craig Hedberg, an expert in environmental health sciences, explained that FoodNet was designed to actively monitor seven foodborne pathogens prevalent in the clinical labs within the network’s coverage areas.

Food poisoning remains a critical public health concern in the United States, with CDC estimates suggesting that each year, approximately 48 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses. While most recover without medical assistance, around 128,000 individuals require hospitalization, and 3,000 die annually.

Ongoing Challenges and Concerns

Although Salmonella and STEC are the primary culprits of foodborne illness, Campylobacter and Listeria monocytogenes also claim significant numbers of victims. The CDC reports 1.5 million annual illnesses due to Campylobacter, while Listeria ranks as the third leading cause of death from foodborne diseases.

“The disturbing thing about cutting FoodNet funds is that it normalizes the idea that foodborne disease surveillance is expensive and unimportant,” said Dr. Hedberg. “In fact, it is the foundation of our food safety system and needs further investments, not restrictions.”

Recent outbreaks, such as listeriosis linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, which resulted in at least 61 illnesses and 10 deaths, highlight the importance of comprehensive surveillance. Public health consultant Dr. Gail Hansen expressed her dismay at the exclusion of Listeria from FoodNet’s focus, suggesting that diminished surveillance could hinder essential public health notifications about outbreaks.

Conclusion: A Call for Investment in Public Health

Dr. Hedberg emphasized the need for continued funding for other CDC initiatives, stating that cuts could severely impact outbreak investigation capabilities. The scalability of FoodNet’s efforts directly influences public health responses, and reevaluating funding priorities could establish a more robust framework for food safety.

As foodborne illnesses continue to pose significant health risks, a concerted effort to enhance surveillance and reporting mechanisms is crucial to safeguard public health.

Source: CIDRAP