Global estimation of foodborne diseases.

Foodborne diseases are one of the most widespread health problems, but because of weaknesses in foodborne disease surveillance and variation in reporting systems between countries, it is difficult to make an estimation of their true incidence. This paper describes the constraints in the collection of information on the incidence and/or prevalence of foodborne diseases, including investigation and reporting at national and international levels. It also makes an attempt to semiquantify the occurrence of foodborne diseases of microbial and parasitical origin in different regions of the world.