Analysis of food-poisoning events in China, 2004-2007

ObjectiveTo analyze the food-poisoning events in China (excluded Hong Kong and Macao, Taiwan area) in order to develop the prevention strategy. MethodsAll the food poisoning events reported through reporting information system of public health emergency in China from 2004 to 2007 were analyzed. ResultsA total of 2287 food poisoning events were reported with 66 758 cases and 1037 deaths; the case fatality rate was 1.55%. The majority of food poisoning occurred during June-October, and the case number in September was highest. In all reports, 652 food poisonings events were caused by microorganism, 544 by vegetable, 383 by animal food and 86 by chemical material. The deaths were mainly caused by poisonous mushroom (298 cases), pesticide/raticide (247 cases) and fugu (35 cases) poisoning. ConclusionFor the reported food-poisoning events in China, most events were caused by microorganism, and the leading causes of death in these events were poisonous mushroom and pesticide/raticide poisoning.