RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To study the foodborne disease outbreaks in the areas covered by National Foodborne Disease Surveillance System. METHODS: Total 13 provinces were included in the surveillance system, and the foodborne disease data in 2003 was collected. RESULTS: A total of 802 outbreaks of foodborne disease were reported. These outbreaks caused a reported 17462 persons to become ill. Among outbreaks for which the etiology was determined, bacterial pathogens caused the largest percentage of outbreaks (46.4%) and the largest percentage of cases (60.4%). Vibrio parahaemolyticus (40.1%) accounted for the largest number of outbreaks and cases. Chemical agents caused 24.1% of outbreaks and 13.9% of cases. CONCLUSION: More work needs to be done to improve the foodborne disease surveillance system.