Epidemiological Evaluation of Bacillus cereus-Induced Foodborne Outbreaks - China, 2010-2020

Shenggang Duan; Yue Yu; Yunchang Guo; Donglei Lu; Ning Li; Zhitao Liu; Jinjun Liang; Yuyan Jiang; Santao Wang; Ping Fu; Jikai Liu; Hong Liu

doi:10.46234/ccdcw2023.140

Epidemiological Evaluation of Bacillus cereus-Induced Foodborne Outbreaks - China, 2010-2020

China CDC Wkly. 2023 Aug 18;5(33):737-741. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2023.140.

Authors

Shenggang Duan¹, Yue Yu¹, Yunchang Guo², Donglei Lu¹, Ning Li², Zhitao Liu³, Jinjun Liang⁴, Yuyan Jiang⁵, Santao Wang⁶, Ping Fu², Jikai Liu², Hong Liu¹

Affiliations

¹ Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China.
² NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Food Safety Research Unit (2019RU014) of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China.
³ Yunnan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
⁴ Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China.
⁵ Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
⁶ Shanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, China.

Abstract

Introduction: Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a common gram-positive bacterium that contaminates starch-rich food and can cause outbreaks of foodborne diseases. This study describes the characteristics of outbreaks caused by B. cereus in China during 2010-2020 and explore the possible reasons for changes in the number of outbreaks over time. Results of this analysis can efficiently help guide and allocate public resources to prevent B. cereus-caused foodborne diseases.

Methods: Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data on B. cereus outbreaks in China during this period. The data were identified and reported at all levels in China through National Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System.

Results: From 2010 to 2020, a total of 419 foodborne outbreaks prompted by B. cereus were reported in China, leading to 7,892 cases, 2,786 hospital admissions, and 5 fatalities. The bulk of the outbreaks were recorded in the summer, primarily between May and September. The most recurrent food vehicle was linked with rice or flour-based products, notably those made with rice or fried rice. School canteens bore the brunt of the B. cereus outbreaks. In multifactor outbreaks, food contamination was identified as the most common culprit; while in instances where only one factor contributed, improper storage was most frequently implicated.

Conclusion: The prevalence of B. cereus outbreaks remained relatively consistent throughout the studied period. Understanding the types of foods, causative factors, and contributing elements leading to B. cereus outbreaks can help inform prevention strategies for foodborne illnesses. The majority of outbreaks were associated with rice- or flour-based foods in school canteens, suggesting contamination and improper storage during food preparation. Consequently, it is essential to prioritize continuous education for canteen staff on food safety, efficacious management, and proper practices. The implementation of comprehensive guidelines, encompassing multiple critical aspects, can potentially reduce the occurrence of B. cereus outbreaks.

Keywords: B.cereus; Epidemiology; Foodborne; Outbreaks.

Copyright and License information: Editorial Office of CCDCW, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2023.

Grants and funding

The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFC2602303, 2021YFF0703804, 2017YFC1600100) and the Research Project on Health Policy of Shanghai (2021HP10)