1. What is the process for reporting a suspected foodborne illness in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the process for reporting a suspected foodborne illness involves several key steps:
1. If an individual suspects they have contracted a foodborne illness, they should seek medical attention from a healthcare provider immediately. This is important for treatment and to document the illness.
2. Contact the local public health department or the Minnesota Department of Health to report the suspected foodborne illness. This can often be done through a phone call or online reporting system.
3. Provide detailed information about the illness, including symptoms, possible sources of contamination, and any food consumed in the days leading up to the illness. This information is crucial in identifying potential sources of the outbreak.
4. Public health officials will investigate the reported illness by interviewing the affected individual, identifying potential sources of contamination, and conducting food and environmental testing if necessary.
5. Cooperation with the investigation is essential for determining the cause of the foodborne illness and implementing control measures to prevent further cases.
Overall, reporting a suspected foodborne illness in Minnesota involves seeking medical attention, contacting the appropriate public health authorities, providing detailed information, and cooperating with the investigation process to protect public health.
2. What role does the Minnesota Department of Health play in investigating foodborne illness outbreaks?
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) plays a crucial role in investigating foodborne illness outbreaks within the state. Here are the key roles that the MDH typically plays in such investigations:
1. Detection and Surveillance: The MDH monitors and tracks reports of suspected foodborne illnesses through a system called the Minnesota Foodborne Illness Outbreak Surveillance System. This helps in early detection of potential outbreaks.
2. Coordination: The MDH coordinates with local health departments, healthcare providers, and laboratories to investigate suspected foodborne illness outbreaks. They work collaboratively to identify the source of the outbreak and implement control measures.
3. Epidemiological Investigation: The MDH conducts epidemiological investigations to determine the cause of the outbreak, identify commonalities among affected individuals, and trace back the source of contamination.
4. Food Safety Inspections: The MDH may conduct inspections of food establishments and facilities implicated in the outbreak to assess compliance with food safety regulations and identify potential sources of contamination.
5. Public Health Response: Based on their findings, the MDH provides public health recommendations, issues alerts or recalls, and educates the public on how to prevent further spread of the illness.
Overall, the Minnesota Department of Health plays a pivotal role in investigating and managing foodborne illness outbreaks to protect public health and prevent further cases of illness.
3. How are foodborne illness outbreaks defined and identified in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, foodborne illness outbreaks are defined and identified through a rigorous investigative process. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) collaborates with local public health agencies and partners to detect and investigate outbreaks effectively. The process typically involves several key steps:
1. Initial reports or clusters of illnesses: The MDH receives reports of individuals experiencing similar symptoms or clusters of illnesses that suggest a potential foodborne outbreak.
2. Case confirmation and interviews: Health officials work to confirm the diagnoses of affected individuals and conduct thorough interviews to gather information on symptoms, potential exposures, and food consumption histories.
3. Epidemiological analysis: Epidemiologists analyze the collected data to identify commonalities among cases, such as shared food sources or locations, to pinpoint the likely source of the outbreak.
4. Food and environmental investigations: Inspectors conduct on-site inspections of implicated food establishments or facilities to collect samples, observe food handling practices, and identify potential sources of contamination.
5. Laboratory testing: Samples of suspected food items, as well as clinical specimens from affected individuals, are analyzed in laboratories to confirm the presence of pathogens or toxins.
6. Public health action: Based on the findings of the investigation, public health officials may institute control measures, issue recalls or advisories, and implement corrective actions to prevent further cases of illness.
Overall, the systematic approach to outbreak investigation in Minnesota enables health authorities to promptly identify, control, and mitigate the impact of foodborne illness outbreaks on public health.
4. What are the common sources of foodborne illnesses in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, common sources of foodborne illnesses include:
1. Contaminated produce: Fruits and vegetables can become contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli during production, processing, or handling.
2. Undercooked meats: Consuming undercooked or raw meats, including beef, poultry, and pork, can lead to foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens like Campylobacter, Listeria, or Salmonella.
3. Unpasteurized dairy products: Raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products can carry harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Campylobacter, leading to foodborne illnesses.
4. Cross-contamination: Improper handling and storage of food can lead to cross-contamination, where bacteria from one food item are transferred to another, increasing the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks.
It is important for food establishments and consumers in Minnesota to follow proper food safety practices, such as cooking food to the correct temperature, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring proper storage of perishable items, to prevent foodborne illnesses.
5. What steps are taken in a typical foodborne illness investigation in Minnesota?
During a typical foodborne illness investigation in Minnesota, several steps are taken to identify the source of the illness and prevent further outbreaks.
1. Initial Report: The investigation begins with the receipt of reports of suspected foodborne illness cases from healthcare providers, laboratories, or concerned individuals.
2. Case Confirmation: Health officials verify the reported cases through laboratory testing to confirm the presence of specific foodborne pathogens.
3. Interviewing: Once cases are confirmed, investigators conduct interviews with affected individuals to gather detailed information about foods consumed, locations visited, and symptoms experienced.
4. Traceback: Investigators trace the implicated food items back to their source, which could be a restaurant, grocery store, or supplier.
5. Environmental Assessment: Inspections of food handling establishments may be conducted to assess food preparation practices and identify potential sources of contamination.
6. Control Measures: Based on the findings of the investigation, control measures such as recalls, food safety alerts, or enforcement actions may be implemented to prevent further illnesses.
By following these steps, health officials in Minnesota can effectively investigate and control foodborne illness outbreaks to protect public health.
6. How is epidemiological evidence used in foodborne illness investigations in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, epidemiological evidence plays a crucial role in foodborne illness investigations. Epidemiologists analyze data related to the affected individuals including symptoms, timing of illness onset, demographics, and food consumption history to identify commonalities and patterns. This information helps investigators pinpoint potential sources of contamination and determine the likely cause of the outbreak. Epidemiologists also conduct interviews and surveys to gather additional information from affected individuals or cohorts, aiding in the identification of specific food items or establishments linked to the illnesses. Additionally, epidemiological evidence helps public health agencies assess the scope and severity of the outbreak, implement control measures, and prevent further spread of the illness. Through the systematic analysis of epidemiological data, investigators can effectively respond to foodborne illness outbreaks and protect public health in Minnesota.
7. How are food samples collected and analyzed during a foodborne illness investigation in Minnesota?
During a foodborne illness investigation in Minnesota, the collection and analysis of food samples play a crucial role in identifying the source of the outbreak. When collecting food samples, investigators typically follow these steps:
1. Identifying potentially contaminated foods: Based on interviews with affected individuals and reviewing food histories, specific food items suspected of harboring the pathogen are identified for sampling.
2. Obtaining representative samples: Food samples should be collected in a way that accurately represents the implicated food product. This may involve taking multiple samples from different batches or sources.
3. Maintaining chain of custody: It is imperative to maintain a proper chain of custody for the samples collected. This ensures that the samples are not tampered with or contaminated during transportation and storage.
4. Submitting samples to a laboratory: The collected food samples are then submitted to a laboratory for analysis. In Minnesota, the samples are typically sent to the Minnesota Department of Health laboratory or other approved facilities for testing.
5. Analyzing the samples: In the laboratory, various tests may be conducted, such as bacterial culture, PCR analysis, or whole-genome sequencing, to identify the presence of specific pathogens responsible for the illness outbreak.
6. Interpreting results: Once the laboratory analysis is complete, investigators interpret the results to determine if the pathogen found in the food samples matches the one causing the outbreak among individuals.
7. Establishing a link: By comparing the laboratory results of food samples with clinical samples from affected individuals, investigators can establish a link between the contaminated food and the illness cases, helping to pinpoint the source of the outbreak.
Overall, the systematic collection and analysis of food samples during a foodborne illness investigation in Minnesota are essential for identifying the source of the outbreak and implementing appropriate control measures to prevent further illnesses.
8. What methods are used to trace the source of a foodborne illness outbreak in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, various methods are utilized to trace the source of a foodborne illness outbreak. These methods include:
1. Epidemiological investigations: Health officials gather data on individuals affected by the outbreak, including symptoms, onset of illness, and food consumption history. By analyzing this information, they can identify commonalities among cases and potentially pinpoint the source of contamination.
2. Laboratory testing: Food samples, as well as samples from infected individuals, are collected and tested to detect the presence of pathogens. Genetic fingerprinting techniques such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) may be used to compare strains and determine if cases are linked to a common source.
3. Environmental assessments: Inspections of food production facilities, restaurants, and farms involved in the outbreak are conducted to identify potential sources of contamination. These assessments can help determine if food handling practices, sanitation procedures, or other factors contributed to the illness.
4. Traceback investigations: Once a suspect food item is identified, officials work to trace it back through the supply chain to its source. This process involves gathering information on distributors, suppliers, and producers to determine where the contamination occurred.
By combining these methods, health authorities in Minnesota can effectively trace the source of a foodborne illness outbreak, implement control measures, and prevent further cases of illness.
9. How are food establishments and facilities inspected and regulated in Minnesota to prevent foodborne illnesses?
In Minnesota, food establishments and facilities are inspected and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to prevent foodborne illnesses. The inspection process involves several key components:
1. Routine Inspections: Inspectors conduct regular, unannounced inspections of food establishments to ensure compliance with state and local regulations regarding food safety and sanitation practices.
2. Compliance Checks: Inspectors review critical control points within the establishment’s food handling processes to verify that food is being stored, prepared, and served safely.
3. Training and Education: Food establishment owners and staff are required to undergo food safety training to ensure they understand best practices for preventing foodborne illnesses.
4. Enforcement Actions: If violations are found during an inspection, enforcement actions may be taken, including issuing citations, fines, or temporary closure of the establishment.
5. Monitoring and Surveillance: MDH and MDA may also conduct ongoing monitoring and surveillance of food establishments to track and investigate potential outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.
Overall, the regulatory agencies in Minnesota work diligently to enforce food safety standards and prevent foodborne illnesses through thorough inspections, education, and enforcement measures.
10. What are the key differences between investigating a single case of foodborne illness and a larger outbreak in Minnesota?
When investigating a single case of foodborne illness in Minnesota, the focus is primarily on the specific individual and their recent food consumption history. This typically involves conducting interviews with the affected person to gather detailed information about what they ate, where they ate it, and when they consumed the food. Laboratory testing is often performed on samples from the individual to identify the causative agent of the illness.
On the other hand, when investigating a larger outbreak of foodborne illness in Minnesota, the scope of the investigation expands significantly. Key differences include:
1. Scale: In an outbreak scenario, there are multiple cases of illness that need to be traced back to a common source or location. This requires coordination between various agencies, healthcare providers, and laboratories to identify patterns and links between individual cases.
2. Epidemiological Analysis: Outbreak investigations often involve more in-depth epidemiological analysis to determine the source of contamination and how it spread among multiple individuals. This may involve analyzing data from multiple sources, such as interviews, medical records, and laboratory results, to identify commonalities and risk factors.
3. Environmental Assessment: In a larger outbreak, environmental health specialists may need to be involved to inspect and assess potential sources of contamination, such as restaurants, food processing facilities, or suppliers. This aspect is not typically required in a single case investigation.
4. Public Communication: Communication and coordination with the public and media become more critical in the case of an outbreak to prevent further spread of the illness and provide guidance on protective measures. This aspect is less prominent in investigating a single case.
Overall, investigating a larger outbreak of foodborne illness in Minnesota requires a more complex and coordinated approach compared to investigating a single case, due to the higher number of individuals affected and the need to identify and address the source of the contamination to prevent further cases.
11. How are people interviewed during a foodborne illness investigation in Minnesota, and what information is typically gathered?
During a foodborne illness investigation in Minnesota, individuals are typically interviewed by public health officials such as epidemiologists or environmental health specialists. These interviews may be conducted in person, over the phone, or through electronic means, depending on the situation and resources available.
1. Personal Information: Basic demographic information about the individual, including name, age, contact details, and occupation, is gathered to properly identify the interviewee.
2. Illness History: Details about the onset of symptoms, duration of illness, specific symptoms experienced, and any medical treatment sought are recorded to understand the progression of the illness.
3. Food History: A detailed food history is obtained, including all foods consumed in the days leading up to the illness onset. This information helps identify potential common food sources linked to the outbreak.
4. Food Purchasing Locations: Information about where the individual purchased food and beverages, including specific restaurants, grocery stores, markets, or other food establishments, is noted to pinpoint possible sources of contamination.
5. Meal Preparation Details: Insights into how the food was prepared, stored, cooked, and handled at home or in other settings help determine potential points of contamination.
6. History of Contacts and Travel: Any recent travel history, interactions with sick individuals, or exposure to animals are documented to assess potential routes of transmission.
7. Other Possible Exposures: Details about other potential sources of exposure, such as recreational water activities, community events, or workplace environments, are explored to identify additional risk factors.
8. Symptom Resolutions: Information on the resolution of symptoms, current health status, and any ongoing concerns or complications are documented to track the individual’s recovery progress.
By gathering this comprehensive information from interviews with affected individuals, public health officials can better understand the scope and potential source of a foodborne illness outbreak, implement necessary control measures to prevent further spread, and protect the health of the community.
12. How are healthcare providers and laboratories involved in the reporting and investigation of foodborne illnesses in Minnesota?
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in the reporting and investigation of foodborne illnesses in Minnesota. When a patient presents with symptoms consistent with a foodborne illness, healthcare providers are responsible for diagnosing and treating the illness. They are also required to report suspected or confirmed cases to the local health department or the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for further investigation. Healthcare providers may collect samples for laboratory testing to identify the specific pathogen causing the illness.
Laboratories are essential in the investigation of foodborne illnesses in Minnesota. They receive samples from healthcare providers or directly from food sources suspected of causing illness. These laboratories conduct various tests to identify the presence of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The results of these tests are crucial in confirming the diagnosis of foodborne illnesses and determining the source of the outbreak. Laboratories also share their findings with public health authorities to facilitate rapid response and control measures to prevent further cases and outbreaks.
13. What are the legal requirements for foodborne illness reporting and investigation in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, there are specific legal requirements for foodborne illness reporting and investigation to ensure the safety of the public. These requirements are outlined in the Minnesota Food Code, which mandates that all suspected cases of foodborne illnesses must be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) by health care providers, laboratories, and food establishments. Additionally, foodborne illness outbreaks must be reported to MDH within 24 hours of detection.
1. Upon receiving a report of a suspected foodborne illness, MDH conducts investigations to identify the source of the outbreak. This includes interviewing individuals who have fallen ill, collecting samples of food for testing, and inspecting food establishments to determine if proper food safety protocols were followed.
2. Food establishments are required to maintain records of the sources of their food products and provide this information to health officials upon request during an investigation.
3. In cases where violations of food safety regulations are identified during an investigation, MDH may take enforcement actions against the responsible food establishments.
Overall, these legal requirements aim to prevent and control foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota by ensuring prompt reporting and thorough investigations to protect public health.
14. How does communication and collaboration between different agencies and stakeholders occur during a foodborne illness investigation in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, communication and collaboration between different agencies and stakeholders during a foodborne illness investigation are crucial in order to effectively identify, contain, and mitigate outbreaks. Here is how this occurs:
1. Initial Notification: The investigation process typically begins with a healthcare provider or laboratory reporting a suspected foodborne illness case to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
2. Partnership: MDH and MDA work closely together to investigate cases and outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. They often collaborate with local public health agencies, healthcare providers, and laboratories to gather information and coordinate responses.
3. Information Sharing: Information such as epidemiological data, food histories, and laboratory results are shared among the agencies involved to identify potential sources of the outbreak.
4. Regulatory Agencies: If a specific food product or establishment is suspected to be the source of the outbreak, regulatory agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Health Food and Lodging Program may be involved in inspections and enforcement actions.
5. Collaboration with Industry: In some cases, industry stakeholders such as food producers, distributors, or retailers may be involved in the investigation to provide information on their products and practices.
6. Communication with the Public: Timely and accurate communication with the public is essential during a foodborne illness investigation. Agencies may issue public announcements, alerts, or recalls to inform consumers and prevent further cases.
Overall, effective communication and collaboration between agencies and stakeholders in Minnesota are key to successfully investigating and managing foodborne illness outbreaks to protect public health.
15. What steps are taken to protect public health during a foodborne illness outbreak investigation in Minnesota?
During a foodborne illness outbreak investigation in Minnesota, several key steps are taken to protect public health:
1. Detection and Reporting: The first step is to detect the outbreak by monitoring reports of illnesses from healthcare providers, laboratories, and the public. Once identified, the outbreak is reported to the appropriate state and local health departments.
2. Investigation: Health officials conduct a thorough investigation to determine the source of the outbreak, including interviewing affected individuals, inspecting food establishments, and collecting samples for laboratory testing.
3. Control Measures: Immediate control measures are implemented to prevent further spread of the illness. This may include issuing public health alerts, recalling contaminated food products, and shutting down implicated food establishments.
4. Communication: Timely and accurate communication is essential to keep the public informed about the outbreak, potential risks, and recommended actions to take. Health officials work closely with the media to disseminate information effectively.
5. Collaboration: Collaboration between various agencies, such as public health departments, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the food industry, is crucial to effectively respond to the outbreak and protect public health.
By following these steps and working diligently to identify and control foodborne illness outbreaks, public health officials in Minnesota can reduce the impact on the community and prevent further illnesses.
16. What are the challenges and limitations faced in investigating foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota?
Investigating foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota comes with several challenges and limitations that can complicate the process of determining the source of the outbreak and implementing control measures. Some of the key challenges and limitations include:
1. Delayed Reporting: Timely reporting of foodborne illnesses by individuals and healthcare providers is crucial for initiating an investigation promptly. However, many cases of foodborne illnesses go unreported or are reported with delays, which can hinder the rapid identification of a common source.
2. Cross-jurisdictional Issues: Foodborne illness outbreaks can span across multiple jurisdictions, making coordination between various health departments and agencies essential. In Minnesota, coordinating with neighboring states or federal agencies can be challenging, especially when the outbreak source is not confined to state borders.
3. Underreporting of Mild Cases: Mild cases of foodborne illnesses may not always come to medical attention, resulting in underreporting of the true burden of the outbreak. This can skew the epidemiological data and make it harder to identify the source of the outbreak.
4. Lack of Epidemiological Evidence: In some cases, investigating foodborne illness outbreaks in Minnesota may be hindered by a lack of epidemiological evidence linking cases to a common source. This can make it challenging to pinpoint the exact food product or establishment responsible for the outbreak.
5. Limited Resources: Conducting thorough foodborne illness investigations requires significant resources, including trained personnel, laboratory support, and funding. Limited resources can impede the speed and effectiveness of outbreak investigations in Minnesota.
Addressing these challenges and limitations requires close collaboration between public health agencies, healthcare providers, the food industry, and the public to enhance surveillance, reporting, and response efforts in order to prevent and control foodborne illness outbreaks effectively.
17. How are lessons learned and recommendations implemented from past foodborne illness investigations in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, lessons learned and recommendations from past foodborne illness investigations are implemented through a structured process that involves collaboration between multiple entities. Here is an overview of how this is typically done:
1. Data Analysis: After completing an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak, all the data collected is analyzed thoroughly to identify any patterns or common factors that contributed to the outbreak. This analysis helps in understanding what went wrong and what could have been done differently to prevent similar incidents in the future.
2. Lessons Learned: Based on the data analysis, specific lessons are drawn from each investigation regarding the source of contamination, potential risk factors, response effectiveness, and overall gaps in the system.
3. Recommendations: These lessons learned are then translated into actionable recommendations aimed at improving food safety practices, regulations, inspection protocols, and response strategies. These recommendations are tailored to address the specific issues identified in each investigation.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Stakeholders involved in food safety, including government agencies, industry partners, public health officials, and academic researchers, are actively engaged in the process of implementing these recommendations. Close collaboration ensures that all relevant parties are on board and committed to making necessary changes.
5. Policy Updates: In some cases, the lessons learned and recommendations may lead to updates in food safety policies and regulations at the state level. This could involve amendments to existing regulations or the development of new guidelines to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
6. Training and Education: Training programs and educational campaigns are often conducted to raise awareness about foodborne illness risks and preventive measures among food handlers, consumers, and other stakeholders. These initiatives help in disseminating the lessons learned from past investigations and promoting best practices in food safety.
By following these steps, Minnesota’s food safety authorities ensure that the insights gained from past foodborne illness investigations are not only documented but also actively utilized to enhance the overall food safety system and protect public health.
18. What training and resources are available for professionals involved in foodborne illness investigations in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, professionals involved in foodborne illness investigations have access to various training programs and resources to help them effectively carry out their responsibilities. Some of the key training opportunities available include:
1. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) offers workshops and conferences specifically designed for food safety professionals to improve their knowledge and skills in foodborne illness investigations.
2. The MDH also provides online training modules, webinars, and resources on topics such as outbreak investigation protocols, foodborne pathogens, and food safety regulations.
3. Additionally, the Minnesota Food Protection and Defense Institute (FPDI) offers specialized training programs for public health officials, scientists, and industry professionals to enhance their capabilities in preventing and responding to foodborne illness outbreaks.
Professionals can also access a wide range of resources such as guidelines, toolkits, case studies, and reference materials on the MDH website to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in foodborne illness investigation procedures. Collaborations with federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) further enhance the available resources and training opportunities for professionals involved in food safety and outbreak investigations in Minnesota.
19. How does the Minnesota Department of Agriculture collaborate with the Department of Health in investigating foodborne illness outbreaks related to food production and distribution?
1. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Department of Health (MDH) collaborate closely in investigating foodborne illness outbreaks related to food production and distribution.
2. The MDA typically takes the lead in investigating outbreaks that are tied to food production facilities, such as farms, processing plants, and distribution centers. They conduct thorough inspections of these facilities to identify potential sources of contamination or lapses in food safety protocols.
3. The MDH, on the other hand, focuses on investigating outbreaks that are linked to restaurants, retail outlets, or other points of service. They work to identify cases of illness, trace them back to a common source, and pinpoint where the contamination likely occurred.
4. Both agencies share information and collaborate on outbreak investigations, pooling their expertise and resources to quickly identify the cause of the outbreak and prevent further cases of illness.
5. This collaboration is crucial in ensuring a rapid and effective response to foodborne illness outbreaks, protecting public health, and improving food safety practices across the state.
20. What are the key components of a successful foodborne illness investigation and response in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, a successful foodborne illness investigation and response require several key components:
1. Prompt Detection: The first crucial step is to promptly detect and report suspected cases of foodborne illness to the local health department. This can be achieved through healthcare providers, laboratories, or directly from affected individuals.
2. Coordination and Collaboration: Effective coordination and collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies, as well as with industry stakeholders, are essential. This ensures a streamlined response and thorough investigation.
3. Epidemiological Investigation: Conducting a thorough epidemiological investigation is vital in identifying the source and cause of the foodborne illness outbreak. This involves interviewing affected individuals, analyzing data, and identifying common exposures.
4. Food and Environmental Testing: Collecting samples of suspected food items, water sources, and environmental surfaces for laboratory testing is necessary to confirm the presence of pathogens and determine the source of contamination.
5. Regulatory Actions: Implementing regulatory actions, such as issuing recalls or closing implicated facilities, is necessary to prevent further illnesses and protect public health.
6. Communication and Education: Clear and timely communication with the public, healthcare providers, and industry stakeholders is crucial during a foodborne illness investigation. Providing education on safe food handling practices can help prevent future outbreaks.
By effectively implementing these key components, Minnesota can successfully investigate and respond to foodborne illness outbreaks, protect public health, and prevent further cases of illness.
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