The Status of Foodborne Illness in the U.S.: Key Takeaways for Federal Contractors

Foodborne illness remains a persistent and costly public health issue in the United States. According to a recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), tens of millions of Americans fall ill due to contaminated food each year, resulting in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. Despite regulatory oversight by multiple federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne illness continues to pose significant risks. The GAO’s findings underscore the need for stronger coordination, updated safety standards, and more robust data collection to address this ongoing challenge.

The GAO report highlights the complexity of the U.S. food safety system, which is governed by at least 30 federal laws administered by 15 different agencies. The fragmented nature of oversight has led to inconsistent policies, inefficiencies, and gaps in food safety enforcement. Foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), can contaminate both FDA- and FSIS-regulated foods, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and seafood. In 2024 alone, two major Salmonella outbreaks linked to cucumbers and charcuterie meats resulted in hundreds of confirmed illnesses and hospitalizations. The report notes that while these agencies have established goals for reducing foodborne illness, they have struggled to meet their performance targets, suggesting that current regulatory frameworks may be insufficient.

One of the most striking findings in the report is the estimated economic impact of foodborne illness. The costs associated with medical treatment, lost productivity, and premature deaths are estimated at $75 billion annually. This figure does not account for secondary chronic illnesses that can develop following foodborne infections, such as kidney damage from STEC or neurological complications from Listeria. Despite efforts by federal agencies to track and mitigate foodborne disease, underreporting and underdiagnosis remain significant barriers. CDC estimates that for every confirmed case of foodborne Salmonella, nearly 29 additional cases go unreported. Many individuals with foodborne illnesses do not seek medical treatment, and state and local public health agencies may lack the resources to investigate outbreaks thoroughly.

Federal oversight of food safety faces additional challenges due to changing food consumption patterns and an increasingly globalized food supply chain. According to the FDA, nearly 15% of the U.S. food supply is imported, including over 90% of the seafood consumed domestically. The GAO report highlights that the FDA has consistently fallen short of its foreign food facility inspection targets. Between 2018 and 2023, the agency conducted an average of only 917 foreign inspections annually—just 5% of its target of 19,200 inspections. Similarly, FSIS has struggled to update or develop pathogen standards, such as those for Campylobacter, since 2018. These regulatory shortcomings raise concerns about the effectiveness of current food safety measures and the risks posed by imported and domestically produced foods alike.

The report also emphasizes the need for a national food safety strategy to address systemic weaknesses. The GAO has identified food safety as a high-risk issue since 2007 and has repeatedly recommended the development of a coordinated federal strategy to improve oversight. In 2017, the agency called for the Executive Office of the President to implement a national food safety strategy to streamline regulatory efforts and reduce redundancies. However, as of January 2025, there were no concrete plans to establish such a framework. The absence of a national strategy leaves the federal government without a comprehensive plan to address fragmentation, allocate resources effectively, and set unified performance goals.

For federal contractors engaged in food supply, distribution, and safety compliance, the GAO’s findings carry several important implications. First, contractors working with government agencies should anticipate increased scrutiny and potential regulatory changes aimed at improving food safety oversight. The FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) mandates a risk-based approach to inspections, prioritizing high-risk facilities. This means that contractors supplying food to federal agencies may face more frequent inspections and stricter compliance requirements. Second, the report suggests that the demand for food safety technologies—such as rapid pathogen detection, traceability systems, and enhanced data collection tools—will likely grow as agencies seek to improve outbreak surveillance and response capabilities. Contractors specializing in these areas may find new opportunities in supporting federal food safety initiatives.

Furthermore, federal contractors involved in food service operations on military bases, government institutions, and public health programs should closely monitor regulatory updates. The GAO report indicates that performance metrics set under the Healthy People 2030 initiative, which aims to reduce foodborne illnesses, have shown limited progress. Six key metrics related to foodborne illness outbreaks remain under development, with no defined baseline data. Contractors should prepare for potential policy shifts that could impact procurement practices, supplier requirements, and reporting obligations.

The GAO report serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety in the United States. While federal agencies have taken steps to reduce the prevalence of foodborne illness, much work remains to be done. Addressing regulatory fragmentation, strengthening inspection efforts, and investing in food safety research are essential steps toward mitigating risks to public health and the economy. Contractors operating in the food industry should remain proactive in compliance efforts and stay informed about emerging federal food safety policies.

This article summarizes the key findings of the GAO report Food Safety: Status of Foodborne Illness in the U.S. (GAO-25-107606) and provides insights into its implications for federal contractors. The views expressed herein do not constitute legal advice, nor do they guarantee the accuracy of regulatory interpretations. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources and legal professionals for specific guidance.