Temporal distribution characteristics of Salmonella foodborne disease in China based on the circular distribution method

Objective: -associated foodborne disease cases in China from 2014 to 2024 were examined to estimate the peak time point and epidemic period and to inform seasonal prevention efforts. Circular distribution analysis was used to assess seasonal concentration and estimate peak timing, and Rayleigh's Z test was used to evaluate seasonal clustering. These findings support prioritizing enhanced food safety supervision, targeted inspections of high-risk food settings, and strengthened public risk communication from May to September to reduce preventable exposures during the identified high-risk period.