FSIS investigates outbreaks of foodborne illness in collaboration with public health partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and state and local health and agriculture departments.

Foodborne illness investigations are multi-faceted, multidisciplinary undertakings that involve collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources. Epidemiologic, laboratory, and environmental evidence help guide the short-term response and long-term preventive actions of public health organizations working to minimize or prevent further exposure.

Additional Resources

• FSIS Directive 8080.3, Foodborne Illness Investigations

• CDC Food Safety Outbreaks page
• FDA Outbreaks & Foodborne Illness page
• APHIS One Health collaboration page