The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are overseeing dozens of investigations into foodborne illnesses across the nation. Their CORE Response Teams coordinate data collection, traceback, sampling and, when needed, product recalls. While some probes are still gathering clues, others have moved toward closure or have resulted in public health advisories that tell consumers exactly what to discard or avoid.
How the federal agencies define and manage an outbreak
Each investigation receives a unique reference number the moment the CORE team assigns resources. The number helps officials, state partners and the public differentiate one case from another. When a pathogen is identified—be it a bacterium, virus, toxin or parasite—the agency records the pathogen or cause of illness alongside any product(s) linked to the illnesses. Because many investigations rely on self-reported data, the FDA initially lists only the product category; a specific brand or item is published only after sufficient evidence confirms its role.
Key actions tracked in the official tables include recall initiationtracebackinspection and sampling. A recall means a firm removes a product from the market, either voluntarily or at FDA’s request, because the food could cause illness. Traceback seeks the source and distribution path of the contaminated item, while inspections verify compliance with federal regulations. Sampling involves collecting food or environmental specimens for laboratory analysis, and any significant findings are highlighted in public health advisories.
Recent additions and status changes in the 2026 outbreak list
Several new entries appeared in the latest FDA update. A cluster of E. coli O26:H11 infections (reference #1419) has been linked to raw-milk cheeses from Sierra Nevada Cheese Company. The company began a voluntary recall on September 25, 2026, and an advisory now warns shoppers to discard any Graziers raw-milk cheese still in their freezers. Another entry, E. coli O157:H7 (ref #1421), carries USDA-FSIS reference 2026-04; FDA has started a traceback to locate the source.
A Listeria monocytogenes outbreak (ref #1417) also entered the table, prompting immediate traceback efforts. The Salmonella Newport investigation (ref #1403) saw its case count rise from 111 to 116, and FDA has begun targeted sampling of suspected foods. Conversely, the outbreak tied to frozen blueberries and E. coli O145:H28 (ref #1389) was declared over by the CDC, and FDA posted its final investigative summary on September 21, 2026.
Multiple Cyclospora investigations (refs #1398, #1392, #1385) have formally ended, though FDA’s investigative activities remain active to monitor any lingering risks. The multi-pathogen outbreak involving Salmonella Typhimurium, Newport and Richmond linked to Moringa leaf powder (ref #1358) has been closed after the agency completed its analysis.
CDC’s snapshot of multistate investigations
Each week the CDC coordinates between 17 and 40 multistate foodborne illness investigations. As of September 23, 2026, the agency listed the following active probes by pathogen: Campylobacter – 1, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli – 6, Listeria monocytogenes – 5, and Salmonella – 20. These numbers fluctuate as new cases are identified and older outbreaks are resolved.
While most widespread outbreaks involve the four major culprits—Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella—others can arise from less common agents such as Cyclospora Hepatitis A virus, Shigella and Vibrio. Detailed information on those investigations is hosted on the respective agency websites.
When an outbreak meets the threshold for public notification, the CDC issues an outbreak notice that outlines the implicated foods, recommended consumer actions and any recall information. The National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) maintains a comprehensive archive of outbreak notices dating back to 1998, offering a historical view of food safety trends.
What consumers should do if they suspect illness
Anyone experiencing symptoms of a foodborne illness should promptly contact a health-care provider and share details about recent meals. Providing this information helps investigators trace the source faster. If a product has been recalled, consumers are urged to check home freezers and refrigerators, discard the item or return it to the retailer.
To report a suspected adverse event—such as a severe allergic reaction or a possible food-linked illness—individuals can use the FDA’s Industry and Consumer Assistance portal. These reports feed into the self-reported data pool that guides future investigations and, when patterns emerge, can trigger new recalls or public health advisories.
