Abstract: Objective To analyze the nationwide food poisoning events reported through the public emergency network direct reporting system in China in 2008 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of food poisoning. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the data of the food poisoning events, including the causal agents, source food and responsible units. Results A total of 433 food poising events were reported in 2008. Microorganism food poisoning occurred most frequently and with highest case number, followed by vegetal food poisoning. The deaths were mainly caused by poisonous mushrooms, pesticides, rat poison and nitrite. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella were first three etiological factors of microorganism food poising events. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus proteus were first three etiological factors in aspect of the case numbers caused by them. Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the control of the food poisoning caused by poisonous mushrooms, pesticides, rat poison and nitrite and reduce the mortality of food poisoning.