Foodborne illnesses cost the U.S. $152 billion in health-related expenses each year, more than previous estimates, according to a recent study. Overall, foodborne illness costs related to produce were responsible for $39 billion of that total.
The financial cost determined in the new report published by the Produce Safety Project, an initiative of the Pew Charitable Trusts, was significantly higher than the $35 billion reported by the Agriculture Department in 1997. In addition, past government estimates considered only limited costs and pathogens.
Pathogens, many unknown, get into the food supply each year. The expense estimate includes medical costs, lost productivity and quality of life. In recent years, the food supply has been wrought with high-profile outbreaks, many involving produce, leading to illness breakouts and even death for consumers.
Sen. Tom Harkin (D.-IA), head of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said that the goal is to bring the food safety bill to a Senate vote around the Easter break. The House passes its bill last July.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 5,000 die and 76 million people in the U.S. become sick each year with foodborne illness.
Source: Reuters
