Title: The CDC’s Quiet Scaling Back of Foodborne Illness Surveillance Program: Implications and Perspectives The recent scaling back of the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has reduced surveillance to just two pathogens, salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), raises several questions about public health priorities and the potential implications on food safety in the United States. Historically, FoodNet was established as a collaboration between the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, the Agriculture Department, and 10 state health departments to monitor six additional pathogens apart from salmonella and STEC: campylobacter, cyclospora, listeria, shigella, vibrio, and Yersinia. These pathogens were chosen due to their potential severity or life-threatening nature for certain vulnerable populations such as newborns, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. The decision to scale back the program has not been made public until now, leaving many food safety experts concerned about its impact on early detection of outbreaks and response times. With surveillance limited to just two pathogens, it may become more challenging for public health officials to identify trends or rising cases of other foodborne illnesses that were previously monitored by FoodNet. Moreover, while the CDC maintains that this move will allow them to prioritize core activities and maintain their infrastructure quality, some critics argue that such a significant reduction in surveillance could lead to slower response times during potential outbreaks or even missed opportunities for prevention efforts. From my perspective, it is crucial to consider how these changes might affect public health policies moving forward. While the CDC’s focus on core activities may seem like an efficient use of resources, we must ensure that all relevant pathogens are being monitored and addressed adequately. After all, even a slight increase in foodborne illnesses can have severe consequences for vulnerable populations who rely heavily on timely interventions from public health officials. In conclusion, the CDC’s decision to scale back its FoodNet program raises concerns about potential implications on food safety and public health response times. As we move forward, it is essential to maintain a balanced approach that prioritizes both core activities and comprehensive surveillance of all relevant pathogens to ensure optimal protection for our communities against preventable illnesses.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-quietly-scaled-back-surveillance-program-foodborne-illnesses-rcna227089)
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