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# Norovirus is the leading cause of disease outbreaks from contaminated food in the U.S.
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/norovirus_0603140353/
- Published: 2014-06-03T16:53:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T14:12:51.000Z
- Description: A CDC Vital Signs report finds most foodborne norovirus outbreaks start in food service settings, often when infected workers touch ready-to-eat food with bare hands. Cruise ships account for about 1 percent of reported outbreaks; roughly 20 million people get sick each year.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Biological, Food Safety, #vivvo-import

**Norovirus is the leading cause of disease outbreaks from contaminated food in the U.S.**

*The food service industry can help prevent norovirus outbreaks*

Most norovirus outbreaks from contaminated food occur in food service settings, according to a [Vital Signs](http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/?ref=foodconsumer.org) report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infected food workers are frequently the source of these outbreaks, often by touching ready-to-eat foods served in restaurants with their bare hands. The food service industry can help prevent norovirus outbreaks by enforcing food safety practices, such as making sure workers always practice good hand hygiene on the job and stay home when they are sick. 

Norovirus often gets a lot of attention for outbreaks on cruise ships, but those account for only about 1 percent of all reported norovirus outbreaks. Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread anywhere people gather or food is served, making people sick with vomiting and diarrhea. About 20 million people get sick from norovirus each year; most get infected by having close contact with other infected people or by eating contaminated food.

“Norovirus outbreaks from contaminated food in restaurants are far too common.” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “All who prepare food, especially the food service industry, can do more to create a work environment that promotes food safety and ensures that workers adhere to food safety laws and regulations that are already in place.”

For more information about norovirus, please visit [www.cdc.gov/norovirus](http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus?ref=foodconsumer.org). Additional information on preventing foodborne diseases is available at [www.foodsafety.gov](http://www.foodsafety.gov/?ref=foodconsumer.org).