FDA Released 2025 Outbreak Response Report

The report detailed how federal teams managed food safety incidents and health advisories throughout 2025.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Nutrition

FDA Released 2025 Outbreak Response Report

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The FDA published its 2025 report on Coordinated Outbreak Response, Evaluation, & Emergency Preparedness (CORE+EP) activities on October 7, 2026. The report details the agency's management of food safety threats across the United States during the previous year.

Why it matters

The report provides oversight into how the FDA identifies and responds to foodborne illness threats to protect public health. Public health advisories are critical for providing consumers with actionable advice to stay safe during active outbreak events.

In 2025, the FDA initiated 26 responses and issued 11 public health advisories regarding food safety incidents. These figures compare to the 69 total incidents evaluated by the network during that same year.

The players

Food and Drug Administration

This is a federal agency responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and the nation's food supply.

CORE+EP

This is the Coordinated Outbreak Response, Evaluation, & Emergency Preparedness network which manages FDA efforts when outbreaks are linked to regulated food products.

The details

The CORE+EP teams use the Signals and Surveillance Team to analyze potential outbreaks and adverse events. Investigations throughout 2025 included incidents such as Salmonella linked to cucumbers, Listeria linked to prepared meals, and an outbreak of infant botulism tied to powdered infant formula.

The CORE Network was established in 2011.
The network evaluated 137 incidents in 2013.
The CORE Network expanded to become CORE+EP in October 2024.
The teams evaluated 69 incidents during the year 2025.
The FDA published the 2025 report on October 7, 2026.

The Big Picture

The report tracks the ongoing evolution of the CORE Network established in 2011, which serves as the foundational framework for federal food safety responses. This retrospective publication marks the program's first full year of operations following its expansion into emergency preparedness in October 2024.

Understanding these response trends helps the public stay informed about how the FDA manages widespread food safety recalls and outbreaks. By monitoring these official advisories, consumers can make safer decisions regarding their household food purchases and consumption habits.

The takeaway

The FDA's report highlights the ongoing nature of food safety monitoring as officials manage dozens of incidents annually. Consumers should regularly check official public health advisories to remain updated on actionable safety information during potential outbreaks.