Foodborne Illnesses Rise in 2024, Deaths Double

In 2024, a report from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) revealed a significant rise in foodborne illnesses in the United States, with 1,392 confirmed cases, a 25% increase from 2023. The number of hospitalizations more than doubled to 487, and deaths from contaminated food rose to 19, compared to eight the previous year. Notably, 98% of illnesses were linked to just 13 outbreaks, primarily involving Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli, which were also the leading causes of food recalls. Despite these alarming trends, the total number of food recalls decreased by 5%, with a notable drop in USDA recalls. Experts caution that the actual number of illnesses may be significantly higher, as many recover without seeking medical attention. The report underscores the urgent need for improved food safety measures amidst these concerning statistics.