CDC foodborne illness reports, US, 2026 year to date.

CDC’s 2026 reporting on foodborne illnesses in the US food supply chain centers on multistate outbreaks caused primarily by Salmonella, Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter, with additional attention to Cyclospora, Hepatitis A virus, Shigella, and Vibrio.

Yearly summaries are explicitly framed as tools to identify systemic weaknesses in food safety and animal husbandry—e.g., hatchery biosecurity, powdered product hygiene, produce washing and sanitation, and consumer education.

Because CDC only publishes case counts for outbreaks that trigger public notices (not all outbreaks in NORS), the numbers below reflect confirmed, publicly reported illnesses from CDC outbreak notices and investigation pages.

📊 CDC Reported Illness Counts (2026 YTD) by Pathogen

Salmonella (all serotypes)

Total reported illnesses YTD (public notices): ~650–700 cases. Breakdown of specific outbreaks:

• Backyard poultry (multiple serotypes): ~500+ illnesses, >40 states, several hospitalizations, 1 death.

• Moringa powder capsules (Typhimurium): ~30 illnesses.

• “Super greens” supplement powder (Newport): ~30 illnesses.

• Raw oysters (Telelkebir): ~10 illnesses.

• Additional small clusters (various serotypes): ~50–100 illnesses combined.

Takeaway: Salmonella remains the dominant pathogen in CDC’s 2026 investigations.

Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC)

Total reported illnesses YTD: ~40–60 cases. Breakdown:

• E. coli O157:H7 – raw dairy: ~20–25 illnesses.

• E. coli O145 – frozen blueberries: ~15–20 illnesses.

• Other STEC clusters: ~5–10 illnesses.

Listeria monocytogenes

Total reported illnesses YTD: ~10–15 cases. Breakdown:

• Soft cheeses (requesón/ricotta style): ~10 illnesses, several hospitalizations.

• Other small clusters: 1–3 illnesses.

Listeria outbreaks are typically small but severe, with hospitalization rates >90%.

Campylobacter

Total reported illnesses YTD: ~50–60 cases. Breakdown:

• Raw milk/dairy linked clusters: ~40–50 illnesses.

• Other small clusters: ~10 illnesses.

Campylobacter outbreaks rarely trigger public notices unless multistate.

Cyclospora

Total reported illnesses YTD: ~75–100 cases. Breakdown:

• Produce linked clusters (leafy greens, herbs, berries): ~75–100 illnesses. Cyclospora outbreaks often involve imported produce and are seasonal (May–August).

Clostridium botulinum

Total reported illnesses YTD: 0 confirmed cases

• Powdered infant formula investigation: No confirmed illnesses reported; investigation focused on potential contamination.

Vibrio (parahaemolyticus, vulnificus, etc.)

Total reported illnesses YTD: ~10–15 cases

• Shellfish-linked clusters (oysters): ~10–15 illnesses.

Hepatitis A (foodborne transmission)

Total reported illnesses YTD: ~20–30 cases

• Restaurant-linked exposures: ~20–30 illnesses across several states.

Shigella

• Reported illnesses YTD: ~10–20 cases

• Total Produce linked clusters: ~10–20 illnesses.

Findings are intended to inform industry standards, regulatory oversight, and risk-based interventions across the supply chain, from farm and hatchery to processing, distribution, retail, and home.