CDC Report: More Than 1K Foodborne Outbreaks Reported in ‘08

More than 1,200 people were hospitalized due to foodborne illnesses in 2008, according to a report released by the on Thursday.

The report, "Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks," found that 1,034 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported, which resulted in 23,152 illnesses.

Norovirus, more commonly known as the stomach flu, was the most common outbreak (49 percent of outbreaks) and Salmonella was the second most common (23 percent of outbreaks).

The CDC estimates that 22 people died and 1,276 were hospitalized from foodborne illnesses in 2008, according to the report.

To prevent foodborne outbreaks, the CDC reminds consumers and food handlers to clean, separate, cook and chill foods.

The full report on foodborne outbreaks is available on the CDC website.