How many cases define a foodborne disease outbreak according to HACCP?

The identification of a foodborne disease outbreak is crucial for public health and food safety management. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the interpretations generally adopted within HACCP frameworks, a foodborne disease outbreak is defined as two or more cases of a similar illness resulting from the ingestion of a common food. This definition emphasizes the importance of even small clusters of cases, as they can indicate a serious public health concern that requires investigation and intervention.

The chosen answer reflects a common reference point for recognizing outbreaks, indicating that when there are two or more instances of illness, this is significant enough to warrant further analysis. The thresholds suggested in the other options (10, 15, or 25 cases) do not align with the standard definition of an outbreak; hence identifying the correct benchmark aids in the prompt response to food safety issues and helps prevent widespread illness.