Emerg Infect DiseidEmerging Infectious Diseases1080-60401080-6059Centers for Disease Control117477102631878Research ArticlePerceived etiology of foodborne illness among public health personnel.JonesT. F.tjones4@mail.state.tn.usGerberD. E.Tennessee Department of Health, Communicable and Environmental Diseases Services, Nashville 37247, USA.Sep-Oct200175904905

Few data exist about perceptions regarding the etiology of foodborne illness. Among public health staff throughout Tennessee, the three pathogens most commonly believed to cause foodborne illness in the United States actually account for only 12% of disease. Fewer than 3% of respondents correctly identified the leading cause of foodborne illness.