Alert: Over 600 outbreaks from contaminated food with bacteria in Colombia
Foodborne illnesses, also known as FBIs, affect 600 million people and cause 420,000 deaths each year worldwide, according to World Health Organization figures. This silent alarm is not only produced from street food stalls and restaurants, but also from homes.
TL;DR
- Colombia registered 661 foodborne illness outbreaks in 2025, sickening 7,394 people.
- The Andean and Caribbean regions have the highest number of cases.
- Antioquia leads with 96 outbreaks, followed by Cesar, Cali, Bogotá, and Nariño.
- A significant 46% of outbreaks occurred within households.
- Escherichia coli was the most common identified cause (48.5%), often due to hygiene failures.
- Other identified bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Fecal Coliforms, Salmonella spp., and Bacillus cereus.
- Ready-to-eat foods, meat products, and dairy products are frequently implicated in outbreaks.
- Breaking the cold chain is a common error, especially for protein-rich foods.
- Recommendations include thorough handwashing, complete cooking of meats, maintaining the cold chain, and using potable water.