outbreaks
CDC FoodNet Outbreak Tracker
CDC FoodNet is the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network — a sentinel surveillance system that monitors foodborne illness trends across 10 US sites covering about 15% of the US population. FoodNet data drives outbreak investigations and food safety policy. Panko Alerts monitors FoodNet alongside other CDC sources.
What FoodNet monitors
FoodNet tracks confirmed cases of nine pathogens: Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Listeria, Salmonella, STEC (including E. coli O157:H7), Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia. By tracking these pathogens across a consistent population year over year, FoodNet can identify emerging trends — pathogen increases, new source patterns, and shifts in antibiotic resistance.
How FoodNet triggers outbreak investigations
When FoodNet detects an unusual cluster of illnesses — more cases than expected for a given pathogen in a particular site or time period — it can trigger a formal CDC outbreak investigation. These investigations involve state health departments, the FDA, and FSIS, and may ultimately lead to product recalls or advisories.
Panko Alerts and CDC data
Panko Alerts monitors CDC FoodNet reports, CDC outbreak investigation announcements, and associated FDA and FSIS recall actions. When a new FoodNet-driven outbreak is identified, it appears in your feed with the pathogen, affected sites, case counts, and any implicated food sources that have been identified.
Track CDC outbreak investigations — free for 7 days
Real-time food safety alerts from 25+ government sources. AI-scored by urgency. Less than one bad meal a month — $4.99/mo.
Start free trial → alerts.getpanko.app