Food-borne disease in the 21st century - What challenges await us?

As the world shrinks and international commerce expands, food-borne illness is likely to become a major public health focus worldwide. Improved survei llance, community education, thorough understanding of the food production chain, use of HACCP strategies, and ionizing radiation are all important fo r reducing the risks. Primary care physicians play a crucial role in survei llance and early reporting, as well as in educating the public on the impor tance of basic food safety.