Purpose: There were two overall objectives: (1) to estimate the number of domestically acquired foodborne illness related hospitalizations and deaths and (2) identify knowledge gaps for further research.
Methods: Using the 2013 estimates of foodborne illness for Canada along with data from the Canadian Hospitalization Morbidity Database (for years 2000-2010), relevant international literature and the 2006 Canadian census population estimates of the number of hospitalization and deaths for each pathogen and unspecified agents were calculated. The analysis accounted for under-reporting and under-diagnosis. Estimates on the proportion foodborne and the proportion travel-related were incorporated for each pathogen. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to account for uncertainty using @Risk software generating mean estimates and 90% credible intervals.
Results: There are an estimated 4,700 hospitalizations and 150 deaths related to domestically acquired, foodborne illness due to 30 pathogens each year in Canada. Key pathogens associated with these hospitalizations and deaths include norovirus, non-typhoidal Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli O157 and Listeria monocytogenes.
Significance: This is the first time Canada has pathogen-specific estimates of domestically acquired foodborne illness related hospitalizations and deaths. This information illustrates the substantial burden of foodborne illness in Canada. Policy makers, industry, academia and other organizations can use these estimates to better inform policy, research, food safety risk assessments, education campaigns and other prevention and control activities – ultimately improving the health of Canadians.