Recent analysis of CDC data has shed light on the most common settings for foodborne outbreaks in Vermont from 2010 to 2022. The findings reveal that approximately 1 in 6 Americans contract foodborne illnesses annually, with around 48 million affected, 128,000 hospitalized, and 3,000 deaths resulting from these illnesses each year [3ec1b251].
In 2024, significant outbreaks included E. coli linked to organic carrots and listeria associated with Boar's Head deli meats, highlighting ongoing concerns about food safety [3ec1b251]. The analysis identified the following top outbreak settings in Vermont:
1) Sit-down restaurants: 7 outbreaks (33.3%), accounting for 541 illnesses (73.8%);
2) Private homes: 3 outbreaks (14.3%), leading to 46 illnesses (6.3%);
3) Long-term care facilities: 2 outbreaks (9.5%), resulting in 79 illnesses (10.8%);
4) Banquet facilities: 2 outbreaks (9.5%), with 10 illnesses (1.4%);
5) Caterers: 1 outbreak (4.8%), causing 20 illnesses (2.7%);
6) Farms: 1 outbreak (4.8%), with 2 illnesses (0.3%) [3ec1b251].
These statistics underscore the importance of food safety measures in various settings, particularly in restaurants, which are the most common site for outbreaks. As the state continues to address these challenges, public health officials emphasize the need for vigilance in food handling practices to prevent future outbreaks [3ec1b251].