CDC: Produce Biggest Culprit in Foodborne Illnesses

ATLANTA — Illnesses linked to produce account for the highest number of foodborne illnesses and hospitalizations, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

By examining outbreaks from 1998-2008, the CDC found 46% of foodborne illnesses and 38% of hospitalizations could be traced back to produce commodities, which include fruits and nuts, leafy greens, fungi, root vegetables, sprouts and vine and stalk vegetables.

Among all commodities, leafy greens caused the highest percentage of illnesses (23%) and second-highest percentage of hospitalizations (14%), although only 6% of deaths.


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