The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year one in six Americans experiences foodborne illness. Furthermore, nearly 3,000 American die of food-related diseases each year. In addition to the devastating health consequences, there are significant economic impacts. Researchers Malik Altaf Hussain and Christopher O. Dawson found that food safety incidents cost the U.S. economy $7 billion annually. This is due to food recalls, lawsuits, company closures and more.
Food safety issues can stem from a variety of sources and at any point in the supply chain, whether it be production, handling, harvesting or shipping. The good—and frustrating—news is much of this is preventable.