A foodborne illness outbreak is defined as when how many people develop the same illness after consuming the same food?

A foodborne illness outbreak is defined as occurring when two or more people develop the same illness after consuming the same food. This definition is based on the understanding that outbreaks usually involve a cluster of cases that can be traced back to a common source, helping public health officials identify and control the source of contamination.

When only one person becomes ill, it may indicate a single case of foodborne illness, which can occur sporadically. However, two or more cases suggest a pattern that warrants investigation, as it is likely that there is a shared food source or environmental factor involved in those illnesses. This threshold allows public health authorities to take necessary action to prevent further cases and protect community health.