loom 1993 to 1996, 1,500 cases of foodborne disease was reported annually in Korea. Salmonellosis were 55.1% of the reported bacterial fordborne disease cases. However, in general, it is estimated that the reported incidence of salmonellosis represents less than the real incidence. This study showed that salmonellosis estimates 177,000 cases (about 150 times of reported cases) costing 5.9 billion won in Korea. Only medical costs and productivity losses were included in the estimate of costs of the 177,000 cases estimated to occur in 1996. This estimates were considerably difference to U.S.A. in cases and costs, but not significantly difference in cases/population (%), expense/GDP (%). Understanding the social economic costs of foodborne disease will be endorsed risk assessment as a necessary method for evaluation and improving food safety regulatory programs in Korea.

• 박경진(한국식품위생연구원) | Gyung-Jin Bahk
• 노우섭(한국식품위생연구원) | Woo-Sup Roh