News | RIVM

Fewer foodborne infections for the first time in years

For the first time since 2016, the Netherlands saw a reduction in the number of foodborne infections in 2023 compared to the year before. The number of outbreaks decreased from 1,173 in 2022 to 911 in 2023. The number of people who became ill decreased from 4,505 to 3,500.

Combined exposure to high amounts of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic increases risk of kidney damage

People can come into contact with chemicals that may affect their health through food and drinking water.

RIVM and EFSA optimise new calculation model for mixture risk assessment

Plant protection products (PPPs) are products used in agriculture to protect crops against, for example, fungi, insects and weeds.

Number of reported illnesses related to food consumption increases each year

In 2022, there were 1,165 reported outbreaks of food-related infections. An outbreak means that two or more people become ill after consuming the same food. A total of 4,470 people became ill.

New study confirms: people in the Netherlands ingest too much PFAS

People in the Netherlands are ingesting too much levels of PFAS through food and drinking water. New research by RIVM confirms this. However, the total quantity of PFAS is lower than previously calculated.

Exposure to combination of chemicals appears to be too high, health risks unclear

The food and drinking water that people consume include chemicals that have effects on health. Among them are substances, such as lead, which are known to have a negative effect on intelligence or development of the brain.

More people sick as a result of food from their own kitchen

In 2021, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and the Municipal Public Health Service (GGD) received 14% more reports of outbreaks of food-related infectio

Estimated costs of foodborne infections 140 million euros lower in 2020

In 2020, the estimated costs of foodborne infections in the Netherlands were 140 million euros lower than in the preceding year. This corresponds to a 30% decrease.

ANP

Disease burden and cost-of-illness of food-related pathogens in the Netherlands

Each year, RIVM presents an update on the number of illnesses caused by 14 enteric pathogens (such as Salmonella, Campylobacter or Listeria) that can be transmitted by food into the hu