I love Economists.  Actually, one of my three BA’s was in Economics.  When you look at the cost of just two bugs that the Economic Research Service (ERS) looked at, you have to wonder why we do not demand more from the corporations who feed us and the government that is supposed to regulate them?

The Economic Research Service (ERS) estimates of the costs of illness and premature death for a number of foodborne illnesses have been used in regulatory cost-benefit and impact analyses. Like all cost estimates, the ERS estimates include assumptions about disease incidence, outcome severity, and the level of medical, productivity, and disutility costs. Changes to any of these assumptions could change the cost estimates and, as a result, change the way policymakers rank risks, prioritize spending, and formulate food safety policies.

The Foodborne Illness Cost Calculator provides information on the assumptions behind foodborne illness cost estimates—and gives you a chance to make your own assumptions and calculate your own cost estimates. Link here.  For information on the bugs they missed, visit www.foodborneillness.com.