In this post, we will explore the critical topic of food safety by examining a series of alarming statistics related to foodborne illnesses, regulations, costs, and impact on public health both in the United States and globally. These statistics shed light on the importance of proper food handling, hygiene practices, and regulatory measures to mitigate the risks associated with unsafe food consumption.

Statistic 1

"Each year, 48 million people in the United States get sick from foodborne bacteria."

Sources Icon

Statistic 2

"The FDA regulates about 80% of the U.S. food supply."

Sources Icon

Statistic 3

"Proper hand washing can decrease the risk of foodborne illness by up to 50%."

Sources Icon

Statistic 4

"Foodborne illnesses cost the United States an estimated $15.6 billion each year."

Sources Icon

Statistic 5

"E. coli infections in the United States account for approximately 265,000 illnesses annually."

Sources Icon

Statistic 6

"Approximately 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths occur in the U.S. each year due to foodborne illnesses."

Sources Icon

Statistic 7

"Cross-contamination is the cause of 85% of all foodborne illness cases."

Sources Icon

Statistic 8

"Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year."

Sources Icon

Statistic 9

"The world loses about $110 billion each year in productivity and medical expenses resulting from unsafe food."

Sources Icon

Statistic 10

"In the EU, there are about 23 million cases of foodborne illnesses each year, leading to approximately 5,000 deaths."

Sources Icon

Statistic 11

"Food allergies orchestrate over 200,000 emergency-room visits each year in the U.S."

Sources Icon

Statistic 12

"Norovirus causes about 19 to 21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis in the United States each year."

Sources Icon

Statistic 13

"The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service inspects over 6,200 slaughter and processing plants annually."

Sources Icon

Statistic 14

"Food handlers are responsible for 63% of all foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurants."

Sources Icon

Statistic 15

"The CDC estimates that 20% of foodborne illnesses result from food consumed in the home."

Sources Icon

Statistic 16

"Half of foodborne illnesses in the United States are linked to produce."

Sources Icon

Statistic 17

"1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year."

Sources Icon

Statistic 18

"According to the WHO, foodborne diseases annually result in 600 million cases of illness globally."

Sources Icon

Statistic 19

"The average cost of a food recall to a food company is $10 million."

Sources Icon

Statistic 20

"Listeria has a hospitalization rate of over 90%."

Sources Icon

Interpretation

The statistics on food safety paint a concerning picture of the prevalence and impact of foodborne illnesses in the United States and globally. With millions of cases and billions of dollars lost each year, it is clear that more stringent measures and awareness are needed to ensure the safety of our food supply. Proper handwashing practices, reducing cross-contamination, and improving food handling in both professional and home settings are crucial steps in preventing foodborne illnesses. The high hospitalization rates for pathogens like Listeria highlight the severity of these illnesses and the importance of food safety regulations and inspections. It is evident that vigilance and education are key in combating the significant public health and economic burden of foodborne illnesses.

Can You Trust Our Report?

The statistics are checked by us and then entered into the database. Our market data reports have been linked to by some of the largest publishers and companies on the Internet.

Learn more about our process here.

Submit Your Own Statistic Data

Would you like to submit your own researched statistics on this topic? You are welcome to use the form below and submit your suggestion to us. We will check the source and approve it if necessary.

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!