Overview of Foodborne Disease Outbreaks in Brazil from 2000 to 2018

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the foodborne diseases (FBD) outbreaks reported in Brazil between 2000 and 2018, based on data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health (official data) and from scientific literature. According to official data, 13,163 FBD outbreaks were reported in the country during this period, involving 247,570 cases and 195 deaths. The largest prevalence of FBD outbreaks was observed in the Southeast region of Brazil (45.6%). In most outbreaks it was not possible to determine the food implicated (45.9%) but among those identified, water was the most frequently associated (12.0%). The etiological agent was not identified in most outbreaks (38.0%), while Salmonella (14.4%) was the most frequently reported among those identified. Homes were the main site of FBD occurrence (12.5%). Regarding data obtained from the scientific literature, 57 articles dealing with FBD in the country throughout the same period were selected and analyzed. Based on these articles, mixed foods were the most prevalent in the outbreaks (31.6%), Salmonella spp. was the pathogen most frequently reported (22.8%) and homes were also the main site of FBD occurrence (45.6%). Despite under-notification, the records of FBD outbreaks that have occurred in Brazil in the past recent years show alarming data, requiring attention from health authorities. The notification of outbreaks is essential to facilitate public health actions.

Food Safety Conditions in Home-Kitchens: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Federal District/Brazil

“…FBDs can occur at any stage, from production to food consumption, and contamination may be the result of environmental contamination, such as pollution of water, soil, or air [1]. FBDs represent one of the most critical public health problems in the world, especially in developing countries that present serious shortcomings in infrastructure and basic sanitation [2][3][4][5]. Although they represent a threat to public health and hamper global socioeconomic development, FBDs are not among the priorities for public health prevention and care, especially in developing countries [6].…”

“…In Brazil, between 2007 and 2018, 134,046 cases of FBDs were recorded, with 19,394 hospitalizations and 129 deaths [4]. Another recent study [5] assessed the FBD outbreaks reported in Brazil between 2000 and 2018, based on the Brazilian official data and the scientific literature. It showed that 13,163 FBD outbreaks were reported in the country during this period, involving 247,570 cases and 195 deaths.…”

Foodborne Diseases

“…Both Brazilian studies highlighted the households as the primary site of FBD occurrence (38.3% [4], and 12.5% [5]). It is essential to consider that reports showed that most cases of FBD are not notified to health authorities; because many foodborne pathogens cause mild symptoms.…”

“…It is essential to consider that reports showed that most cases of FBD are not notified to health authorities; because many foodborne pathogens cause mild symptoms. Victims do not seek medical help, contributing to the underreporting of epidemiological data [4,5].…”

“…FBDs can occur at any stage, from production to food consumption, and contamination may be the result of environmental contamination, such as pollution of water, soil, or air [1]. FBDs represent one of the most critical public health problems in the world, especially in developing countries that present serious shortcomings in infrastructure and basic sanitation [2][3][4][5]. With the knowledge to prevent FBDs, and the concerns about the increase in FBD cases arising in households, it is essential to evaluate homes' good food preparation practices.…”