Analysis of foodborne disease outbreaks caused by plant and animal toxicants in China’s Mainland from 2010 to 2020

ObjectiveTo provide the bases to build up the prevention and control measures， the epidemiology and changes of foodborne disease caused by plant and animal toxicants in China’s Mainland was studied.MethodsThe data reported from 2010 to 2020 was collected. The times， places， etiologic agents and causing factors were analyzed.ResultsA total of 5 244 outbreaks， which resulted in 37 610 illnesses and 271 deaths， were reported in this period. 35.37% （1 855/5 244） of the total outbreaks occurred in the second quarter and resulted in 31.18% （11 727/37 610） illnesses. Plant toxicants were reported for 4 794 outbreaks， resulting in 34 482 related illnesses and 222 deaths. Animal toxicants were reported for 450 outbreaks， resulting in 3 128 related illnesses and 49 deaths. Undercooked phaseolus were the most common cause of outbreaks （37.49%， 1 966/5 244）， followed by aconitine （8.28%， 434/5 244） and tung oil or seed （6.24%， 327/5 244）. Household and canteen were the most common locations of outbreaks. Mistaking and undercooked were the main causes.ConclusionFoodborne disease caused by plant and animal toxicants occurred in all seasons， and the second quarter is the peak. Undercooked phaseolus and improper prepared aconite were the main cause of poisoning. In view of the above epidemic characteristics， we should focus on the targeted publicity and education for families， so as to reduce the occurrence of the outbreaks.