Foodborne Illness Costs NHS £79.2 Million Annually, Experts Say
What happened
The Food Standards Agency estimates that food poisoning costs the National Health Service £79.2 million annually, based on approximately 2.4 million illnesses and 16,300 hospitalizations across the UK. Diana Johnson, minister of state for the Department of Health and Social Care, revealed these figures in response to a parliamentary question from Andrew Snowden. Dr. Naheed Ali stated that treating foodborne illness is a cost that could be substantially cut by simple behavioral changes.
From aol.co.uk
Why it matters
Dr. Naheed Ali noted that the £79.2 million figure only captures what the National Health Service pays, and it does not account for the full economic burden, such as lost work days or unpaid carers. He emphasized that most preventative measures are simple, such as maintaining correct fridge temperatures and limiting how long cooked food is left out.
From aol.co.uk
Who's involved
- Naheed AliPhysician who discussed foodborne illness costs to Express
- Department of Health and Social CareGovernment agency subject to parliamentary scrutiny over health costs
- ExpressCompany used as a platform for the discussion
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- National Health ServiceSpeculative
The National Health Service might see a substantial reduction in annual foodborne illness costs if preventative behavioral changes are adopted
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The entities involved
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Naheed Ali
Nothing else this week.
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Department of Health and Social Care
United Kingdom government ministerial department