South Dakota declared food poisoning capital with twice national average
A new analysis has identified South Dakota as America's food poisoning capital. According to data from the CDC's surveillance system, South Dakota reported 92.2 cases of foodborne illness per 100,000 people, more than double the national average of 48.8 cases. The state's high rates reflect its large agricultural sector, with extensive livestock operations creating greater exposure to bacteria like Campylobacter among workers. Neighboring states Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wyoming also rank near the top. Public health experts note that lab-confirmed cases tracked by the CDC represent only a fraction of actual food poisoning; the agency estimates 48 million cases occur annually nationwide. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The CDC continues investigating recent cyclosporiasis outbreaks across multiple states, with over 400 cases reported since May.
Key facts
- South Dakota has 92.2 foodborne illness cases per 100,000 people, more than double the national average of 48.8
- South Dakota has approximately 3.6 million cattle and calves with a population of under 1 million residents
- CDC estimates 48 million Americans suffer foodborne illness annually, with 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths
- Campylobacter and Salmonella are the two most common pathogens tracked nationally
- Over 400 cyclosporiasis cases have been reported across 18 states since May 2026
Limits of this briefing
Rankings vary depending on methodology—some studies measure different metrics beyond reported cases, such as food insecurity and obesity rates. Lab-confirmed cases represent a small fraction of actual foodborne illness, as most cases go undiagnosed or unreported.
Sources
- Tasting Table: The State With The Most Food Poisoning Cases Has Less Than A Million Residents Centre
- Trace One: States With the Highest Rates of Foodborne Illnesses Centre
- Global Biodefense: CDC Investigates Surge of Parasitic Illness Across 18 States as Workforce Cuts Raise Response Concerns Left
- OnFocus: New Study Reveals Most Dangerous States for Food Safety Centre
- Parade: People In These 5 States Are Most Likely to Catch Food Poisoning This Fourth of July Weekend Centre