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A Distributional Analysis of the Costs of Foodborne Illness: Who Ultimately Pays?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 April 2015

Elise H. Golan ,
Katherine L. Ralston  and
Paul D. Frenzen
Elise H. Golan
Affiliation:
Food and Rural Economics Division of the Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Katherine L. Ralston
Affiliation:
Food and Rural Economics Division of the Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Paul D. Frenzen
Affiliation:
Food and Rural Economics Division of the Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Abstract

This paper traces the economic impact of the costs of foodborne illness on the U.S. economy using a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) framework. Previous estimates of the costs of seven foodborne pathogens are disaggregated by type, and distributed across the population using data from the National Health Interview Survey. Initial income losses resulting from premature death cause a decrease in economic activity. Medical costs, in contrast, result in economic growth, though this growth does not outweigh the total costs of premature death. A SAM accounting of how the costs of illness are diffused through the economy provides useful information for policy makers.

Keywords

cost of illnessfoodborne illnessSocial Accounting Matrix
Type
Invited Paper Sessions
Information
Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics , Volume 30 , Issue 1 , July 1998 , pp. 95 - 107
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 1998

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