Fight E. coli

The Economic Impacts

E. coli O157 Risk Reduction: Economic Benefit to Canada

The annual impact of foodborne illness on the Canadian economy caused by E. coli O157:H7 is significant. The 2007 study conducted by the Guelph, Ontario-based George Morris Centre has been updated and includes new information. This analysis examines costs associated with foodborne illness related to E. coli O157:H7 in Canada, estimated to be $21 million per year.

This is based on, and includes, costs for the following:

Health care, including visiting a family physician and/or the hospital emergency department, hospitalization due to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS - requires dialysis and potential treatment for kidney failure), medication, and ongoing dialysis;
Productivity loss;
Premature death.

In addition to the above costs, the impact of controlling the prevalence of this organism in our environment has been estimated to be in excess of $82 million per year. This estimate is based on:

Food recalls;
Declining consumer demand for affected food products;
Consumer concern regarding product safety.

For more information, read the study results from the George Morris Centre.
Previous study results are available in the 2007 report.

Top of Page