Recent developments in foodborne illness in the MENA Region

Anfal ALMULLA; Tareq M. OSAILI; Ioannis N. SAVVAIDIS

doi:10.55779/nsb17412737

Authors

Anfal ALMULLA University University of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Sharjah 27272 (AE) https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2468-8173
Tareq M. OSAILI 1) University of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Nutrition, Sharjah, 27272. 2) University of Sharjah, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), 27272, United Arab Emirates. 3) Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan (AE) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6166-1388
Ioannis N. SAVVAIDIS 1) University University of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates. 2) University of Ioannina, Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Food Microbiology, 45110 Ioannina, Greece (AE) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0208-6819

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55779/nsb17412737

Keywords:

Campylobacter, epidemiology and control, Escherichia coli O157:H7, foodborne outbreaks, MENA region, Norovirus, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Foodborne illnesses (FBI) represent a major and ongoing public health challenge across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, influenced by rapid urbanization, climate change and persistent gaps in food safety infrastructure. Common pathogens including Norovirus, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp. and non-typhoidal Salmonella remain leading causes of outbreaks, particularly in settings with inadequate sanitation and food hygiene. Recent regional analyses indicate that foodborne illnesses account for nearly 100 million infections annually, with incidence rates in low-income MENA countries up to three times higher than in Gulf states. Temporal data suggest an upward trend in Norovirus-related outbreaks since 2015, while Salmonella and E. coli show seasonal peaks linked to rising summer temperatures and import-related risks. This review not only summarizes the current epidemiology but also provides comparative trends, cross-country patterns and policy analysis grounded in One Health and Codex Alimentarius frameworks. It highlights key epidemiological gaps and the urgent need for regional integration and data harmonization.

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References

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