Top 8 Places People in New Mexico Get Food Poisoning, According to the CDC

Foodborne illness outbreaks seem to dominate headlines frequently, with high-profile recalls and investigations making the news. For example, in mid-November 2024, the FDA started investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots sold at popular grocery chains like Kroger, Wegmans, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s, affecting consumers in more than a third of U.S. states. Earlier in the year, a listeria outbreak involving Boar’s Head deli meats resulted in the recall of 7 million pounds of meat, 61 reported illnesses across 19 states, and 10 deaths.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 6 Americans contracts a foodborne illness annually. This equates to about 48 million people who get sick, with 128,000 requiring hospitalization and roughly 3,000 deaths each year. These illnesses are typically caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that contaminate food and beverages. The most common pathogens involved include norovirus, hepatitis A, salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, all of which can result in symptoms similar to the flu. However, in some cases, foodborne illnesses can have more severe health consequences.

Common Pathogens and Foods Linked to Outbreaks

• Norovirus: Often referred to as the stomach flu, norovirus is highly contagious and is frequently spread through raw or undercooked shellfish.
• Salmonella: Typically found in raw poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized milk, salmonella can lead to severe bloodstream infections in some cases.
• E. coli: Linked to undercooked ground beef and leafy greens, E. coli can lead to severe complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
• Listeria: This pathogen, which often affects pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems, is typically spread through deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized dairy products. In severe cases, listeria can lead to miscarriages or neonatal infections.

Certain foods are more frequently associated with foodborne illness outbreaks. A Consumer Reports analysis of recalls and illness outbreaks from 2017 to 2022 identified leafy greens, poultry, deli meats, and cheese as some of the most commonly implicated foods. Fresh produce is particularly vulnerable due to its exposure to contaminated soil or water, while eggs and dairy can harbor harmful pathogens if not properly handled or stored.

Settings Where Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Occur Most Often

In addition to food types, the environment where food is prepared and served plays a key role in the spread of illness. Food prepared in bulk settings, such as restaurants, cafeterias, and catered events, is often the source of outbreaks. For instance, Chipotle faced a $25 million fine after food contaminated at its locations led to over 1,100 cases of foodborne illness between 2015 and 2018. Grocery stores, schools, and food processing plants have also been at the center of major outbreaks, underscoring the widespread risk of foodborne illness across diverse food-handling environments.

Foodborne Outbreaks in New Mexico (2010-2022)

Curious about where these outbreaks are most likely to occur in New Mexico? Stacker analyzed CDC data from 2010 to 2022 to identify the most common settings for foodborne illness outbreaks across the state. Understanding these common sources of contamination can help you make more informed decisions when eating out or purchasing food. By being aware of where outbreaks tend to happen, you can take extra precautions to minimize your risk and stay healthy.

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