OzFoodNet undertake surveillance and investigations of foodborne disease in Australia in conjunction with jurisdictions. In 2012-13, OzFoodNet conducted an outbreak investigation of listeriosis with 34 cases, from six jurisdictions identified linked to products from a Victorian manufacturer of soft cheese. OzFoodNet liaised with state and territory authorities, the Communicable Diseases Network of Australia, and Food Standards Australia and New Zealand to identify the link between the consumption of soft cheese and these cases. Data from OzFoodNet’s National Enhanced Listeriosis Surveillance System was used to identify and monitor this outbreak.
OzFoodNet also continues to gather evidence on outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with the consumption of raw or minimally cooked eggs. Foods commonly served with an uncooked raw egg ingredient such as chocolate mousse, tiramisu and sauces (aioli and mayonnaise) have been linked to outbreaks of salmonellosis. Data from the OzFoodNet Outbreak Register show that in 2011, around 20% of the outbreaks investigated by OzFoodNet were linked to the use of raw or minimally cooked egg.
OzFoodNet is part of a World Health Organization capacity building network – Global Foodborne Infections Network (GFN) that was formerly known as Global SalmSurv. GFN supports laboratory-based surveillance of foodborne diseases, by teaching epidemiologists and laboratory scientists to conduct surveillance for foodborne infections and investigate outbreaks.
Information on outbreaks resulting from contaminated food can be accessed through the OzFoodNet Outbreak Register. Currently, the Register has data on the major causes of foodborne disease outbreaks for 2001 up to the 1st quarter of 2013. Data can be extracted by implicated food, setting where the food was prepared, and causative agent.
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