Foodborne disease in Queensland: a snapshot
In Queensland, many thousands of people suffer from illnesses associated with eating contaminated food every year. Symptoms of foodborne disease may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever and headaches. Foodborne illnesses vary in severity depending on the pathogen associated with the illness and the amount of the organism or agent that has been ingested by the person. Young children, the elderly and people with chronic underlying illnesses may display more severe symptoms.
Did you know?
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There are at least 5.4 million cases of gastroenteritis food poisoning caused by contaminated food each year in Australia
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On average, there are more than 7,000 cases of infection notified to Queensland Health each year caused by potential foodborne pathogens
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About 96% of all foodborne pathogen notifications in Queensland relate to Campylobacter (around 4,400 per year) and Salmonella (around 2,400 per year)
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820 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness (caused by food and non-foodborne pathogens) affecting more than 19,000 people were reported between 2005 and 2009
- Of these, 58% occurred in aged care facilities affecting 12,700 people and resulting in 225 hospitalisations
- Of the 820 outbreaks, 16% were suspected or confirmed to be caused by transmission through food or water, with the most common agent being Salmonella (which was identified in 38 outbreaks).
View more detailed Queensland surveillance data.
