Australia facing $2.44 billion AUD annual hit from foodborne illnesses: Report

Foodborne illness is a significant concern for Australia, with an annual economic impact estimated at $2.44 billion AUD, according to a recent report funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. The report, "The annual cost of foodborne illness in Australia," provides a comprehensive analysis of the costs associated with foodborne illness, including business losses, regulatory activities, and outbreak investigations and surveillance. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) tendered the project to the Australian National University (ANU), who carried out the project.

The study, based on a cost model developed by the Australian National University (ANU), estimates expenses related to ten priority pathogens and four other conditions caused by foodborne illnesses. The pathogens evaluated include Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, norovirus, non-typhoidal Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Shigella, Toxoplasma gondii, Yersinia enterocolitica, and others.

Lost productivity due to non-fatal illness is the largest cost associated with foodborne illness, followed by premature mortality and direct medical care. Campylobacter is found to be the most costly pathogen at an estimated $365 million AUD annually, followed by norovirus, E. coli, and Salmonella, which each cost Australians over $100 million AUD annually.

In addition to the cost model, the report also analyzed four specific foodborne illness outbreaks to estimate their economic costs. These outbreaks include the S. Typhimurium outbreak associated with a bakery in 2016, L. monocytogenes in rockmelons in 2018, S. enteritidis in eggs in 2019, and S. Weltevreden in frozen meals in 2019. The cost of these outbreaks ranges from $215,000 AUD to $40.8 million AUD and includes expenses for testing of food samples, lost productivity, premature mortality, business closures, and more.

The report also evaluates the costs associated with foodborne illness outbreak investigations and surveillance. In 2019-2020, FSANZ was allocated a budget of $29.9 million AUD for national food regulation, and the Australian government invested an additional $1.86 million AUD in OzFoodNet, a collaboration between the federal government and jurisdictional health authorities. Although the costs of foodborne disease surveillance and regulation are challenging to estimate, the report highlights the need for further analysis.

The annual economic burden of foodborne illness in Australia is substantial and requires the government's attention. Investing in food safety education, food regulation, surveillance, and outbreak investigation efforts is crucial to minimising its impact. This report provides valuable insights into the costs associated with foodborne illness and will help guide future policies and interventions.

by Food Safety Select Newsroom