Obligations to Report Outbreaks of Foodborne Disease under the International Health Regulations (2005)

Abstract

Every year, Australia identifies 2–3 outbreaks associated with imported foods. To examine national authorities’ obligations under the International Health Regulations (2005), we reviewed outbreaks in 2001–2007 that implicated internationally distributed foods. Under these regulations, 6 (43%) of 14 outbreaks would have required notification to the World Health Organization.

Keywords

• outbreak
• foodborne
• international
• International Health Regulations
• dispatch
• Australia