NZ Food Safety 2023 Annual Report concerning Foodborne Diseases in New Zealand

The 2023 New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) report prepared by ESR on foodborne diseases provides critical insights into New Zealand's ongoing efforts to monitor and reduce foodborne illness. Key pathogens like Campylobacter, Yersinia, STEC, and Salmonella continue to be the most commonly reported, particularly affecting young children and the elderly.

Campylobacteriosis remains a priority. NZFS is working towards a 20% reduction of human cases of foodborne campylobacteriosis by the end of 2024. The report notes a promising decline in domestically acquired cases despite a rise in travel-related infections. Listeriosis, though rare, poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations, while the recent decrease in Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections, particularly among Māori, highlights the success of targeted education campaigns.

The report also emphasizes the importance of demographic factors in understanding foodborne illness, with European and Pacific Island populations showing distinct patterns of infection and hospitalization. Despite stable notification rates, the shift to molecular-based diagnostic methods has improved the detection and tracking of pathogens. NZFS, in collaboration with ESR and Te Whatu Ora, continues to refine its surveillance and reporting systems, ensuring that regulatory measures remain data-driven to mitigate foodborne risks.