What’s apparent with these new data is the increasing popularity of rapid tests, or culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs). These tests, according to CDC, can be credited with making foodborne infections more visible today than in years past. However, CIDTs do not collect information needed to determine if an infection is antibiotic-resistant or if it is linked to an outbreak. Follow up by way of culture-based testing is required for more detailed information, but more often than not, this does not happen.

Also, the increased reliance on CIDTs could negatively affect how foodborne illness trends are monitored. That’s because while there could appear to be an increase in infections, what may actually be happening is more positive results due to better testing practices. CDC says that estimated infections this year and in years past are accurate, but cannot be directly compared because the total now includes results from diagnostic tests not used in previous years.

“We need foodborne-illness trend data to monitor progress toward making our food supply safer,” Tauxe said. “It’s important that laboratories continue to do follow-up cultures on CIDT-positive patients so public health officials can get the information needed to protect people from foodborne illness.” says Robert Tauxe, M.D., M.P.H, director of CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases.

As new and improved testing methods come to market, FoodNet is also developing new tools that will allow it to continue to track the needed progress toward reducing foodborne illness.

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