search our site     home > key topics   food safety Foodborne disease is primarily caused by pathogens that can enter the food supply anywhere from the farm to the kitchen. ERS analyses include estimating the costs of foodborne disease, conducting benefit/cost analyses of alternative regulatory options, and analyzing the impact of information labeling on markets. related subtopics - provide a listing of resources related to subtopics of food safety. Consumer food safety behavior Economics of foodborne disease Food irradiation Foodborne pathogens Government food safety policies HACCP Industry food safety actions Residues in Food Risk assessment for foodborne hazards Safe food handling related briefing rooms - offer an indepth discussion synthesizing ERS research Consumer Food Safety Behavior Economics of Foodborne Disease Government Food Safety Policies Industry Food Safety Actions Information Policy feature In 2000, ERS estimated the cost from five bacterial foodborne pathogens as $6.9 billion. The five bacterial pathogens are: Campylobacter (all serotypes), Salmonella (nontyphoidal serotypes only), E. coli O157 and non-O157 STEC, and Listeria monocytogenes. The cost estimate includes medical costs, productivity losses from missed work, and an estimate of the value of premature death that takes into account the age distribution of those taken ill. The estimate excludes travel costs in obtaining medical care, lost leisure time, and so forth. Estimates for Salmonella were updated in 2003 (see the Foodborne Illness Cost Calculator). See the Economics of Foodborne Disease Briefing Room for more information. web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov updated: October 12, 2004  Also at ERS... latest publications (all) • Current Issues in Economics of Food Markets • Meat and Poultry Plants' Food Safety Investments: Survey Findings • Food Safety Innovation in the United States: Evidence from the Meat Industry latest data products (all) • HACCP Survey Results • Foodborne Illness Cost Calculator • Hamburger doneness and consumer preferences research emphases (all) • A safe food supply resources • Contact an ERS Expert • Calendar of Releases services • Receive E-mail Updates • E-mail This Page • Translate This Page

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