Consumption of Risky Foods Among Adults at High Risk for Severe Foodborne Diseases: Room for Improved Targeted Prevention Messages

Foodborne disease is of particular concern in populations at risk for severe consequences, including the elderly and persons with immune‐compromising conditions. Using data from the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) Population Survey, we examined the association of risky food consumption with gender, age, immune status, income and education. Gender, age and immune status were associated with consumption of risky foods. More males than females ate at least one risky food while persons aged ≥65 years were less likely than those 18–44 to eat risky foods. In the 18–44 group, those with immunosuppressive conditions were more likely to eat risky foods (P < 0.001). In the ≥65 group, those taking immunosuppressive drugs were more likely than healthy persons to eat risky foods (P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that young adults with immune‐compromising conditions and elderly persons who take immunosuppressive drugs report eating more risky foods than their healthy counterparts.