CDC slashed food safety surveillance, now tracks only 2 of 8 top infections

The article discusses the recent decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to scale back its food safety surveillance program. According to the report, the CDC now tracks only 2 of the 8 most common foodborne infections, a move that has raised concerns among public health experts. The article cites a former CDC official who likened the decision to "making foodborne disease go away" by not monitoring it. The decision comes at a time when foodborne illnesses continue to be a major public health issue, with millions of Americans affected each year. Critics argue that the reduced surveillance will make it more difficult to identify and respond to outbreaks, potentially putting the public at greater risk. The article also suggests that the decision may be driven by budget constraints and political considerations, rather than public health priorities. Overall, the article highlights the potential implications of the CDC's decision and the ongoing debate surrounding the importance of food safety surveillance and public health protection.