Investigating Food-Borne Outbreaks - Essay Example

Key players involved in investigating a disease outbreak includes local, state or federal agencies depending on the extent of disease spread and type of disease. Most diseases start at the local level and hence it is the primary duty of local agencies to initiate the response. In case the diseases spread across states and nations, state agencies also get involved in the response. Help from federal agencies such as CDC is sought when the diseases spread is huge or the disease is unusual. The basic step to initiating a disease response is a joint collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

These agencies investigate the reasons behind a diseases outbreak, initiate steps to control and subsequently prevent it. This is done by food tests and inspection of food products and service quality at restaurants. Epidemiologist, Microbiologists, Environmental health specialists and regulatory compliance officers and inspectors make up a basic investigating team.Another important stakeholder is the Food industry. I personally feel that the food industry needs to comply strictly with food regulations s to prevent contamination of the food and subsequent outbreaks.

Today food is not restricted to one place only, we engage in import and export of several food items which also raises concern in case such items are contaminated. In case of a diseases outbreak it becomes hard to pinpoint the cause and hence a series of steps is adopted to investigate the problem. After detection of the outbreak, a cause is determined. A hypothesis is made after interviews are conducted with those involved in or witness to the outbreak. Laboratory tests are carried out and in case nothing is found the hypothesis changes.

However in case, the findings are positive, the point of contamination is investigated and a portion of food is recalled. After recalling, if the disease is in control it is declared safe else the hypothesis is changed again and the entire process of investigation is repeated.I consider that the most important goal is to prevent the possible outbreak right from the start. This involves several partners since the food is handled by a number of key players from the farm to the table. There right from the process of production, handling, and transport to the method of storing, preparation and cooking each and every step needs to be carried out carefully to help in the prevention of diseases outbreaks.