Established in 1995 following a deadly E. coli O157 outbreak linked to contaminated hamburgers, which caused over 700 confirmed infections and 4 child deaths , the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) emerged as a critical early-warning system for food safety threats. Operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and 10 state health departments, FoodNet monitors laboratory-confirmed infections across a surveillance area covering 15% of the U.S. population (approximately 48 million people).

Active Surveillance Methodology

FoodNet employs active surveillance, distinguishing it from passive reporting systems. Personnel at sites in Connecticut, Georgia,

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