CDC Decreases Monitoring of Food-Related Diseases
In a move that has raised eyebrows among food safety specialists, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) has recently reduced its monitoring of foodborne illnesses. As of July 1, FoodNet is now focused on tracking only two pathogens: salmonella and a dangerous strain of E. coli called STEC.
This significant shift in how the U.S. tracks foodborne illnesses comes as a result of budget cuts and shifting priorities. The agency has been stretched thin due to federal budgets for food safety remaining nearly flat, which has impacted programs like FoodNet.
The reduced scope of FoodNet's monitoring could potentially open the door for fewer regulations in the future. Experts fear that narrowing the program will make it harder to understand how widespread certain illnesses are and whether cases are increasing. Morris, a food safety specialist, expressed concern that reducing FoodNet's monitoring could lead to a situation where foodborne diseases are ignored, potentially paving the way for rolled-back protections.
Until July, FoodNet tracked eight different pathogens linked to foodborne illnesses, including campylobacter, listeria, shigella, vibrio, Yersinia, and cyclospora. These bacteria and parasites can cause serious foodborne illnesses, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
The changes in FoodNet's monitoring could raise questions about whether less oversight could lead to increased risks associated with foodborne illnesses. Some states, like Maryland, plan to continue reporting all eight pathogens, while others, such as Colorado, may scale back if funding drops further.
The future of FoodNet depends on resources and political will. For 2026, the CDC requested $72 million for food safety - the same amount it has asked for in past years. However, the changes are tied to funding issues, as the CDC's budgets have not kept up with the cost of operating FoodNet at full capacity.
The White House has issued a statement emphasizing the health and safety of Americans as a top priority, but the response of states remains unclear. The statement indicates that agencies will continue working together to protect the food supply.
The decision to reduce FoodNet's monitoring has also raised concerns on a global scale. The agency's reduced surveillance of foodborne illnesses, as seen in Germany, could potentially increase public health risks due to delayed detection and response to foodborne outbreaks.
In conclusion, the reduced monitoring of foodborne illnesses by FoodNet is a concerning development in the realm of food safety. As the U.S. continues to navigate these changes, it is crucial to maintain vigilance and prioritise the health and safety of its citizens.
