Who is the lead coordinator during any multistate foodborne disease outbreak in humans?

• A. FDA
• B. EPA
• C. CDC
• D. USDA

Answer: (C)

Detecting and controlling a multistate foodborne disease outbreak in humans requires centralized epidemiologic leadership and national coordination, which is provided by the CDC. The CDC leads the investigation by coordinating state and local health departments, collecting and analyzing surveillance data, and guiding public health communications and interventions across jurisdictions. They also coordinate with FDA and USDA, who provide technical expertise and help trace contamination and recalls as needed, but they do not serve as the lead coordinator. FDA focuses on food safety policy and regulation for many foods; USDA concentrates on meat, poultry, and processed eggs; EPA is not typically involved in outbreak investigations of human foodborne illness.