The epidemiology of reported food-borne disease (FBD) outbreaks from 2001 to 2008 in Korea and Japan were compared in this study. The outbreak rate of FBD in Japan was significantly higher although the average number of patient in each outbreak in Korea was much higher. In both countries, summer was the season when most FBD outbreaks occurred. The comparison study revealed that FBD outbreaks in spring were more frequent in Korea, and outbreaks in winter were more frequent in Japan. Almost half of FBD outbreaks were observed at restaurants in both countries while FBD outbreaks at schools and work-places in Korea were much higher than in Japan. The most frequent cause of bacterial FBDs in Korea was pathogenic Escherichia coli followed by Salmonella species. On the other hand, Campylobacter jejuni was the most frequent source of bacterial FBDs in Japan. Norovirus, which is related to uncontrolled hand hygiene and involvement of ill food workers, was the main cause of viral FBDs in both countries. In conclusion, there are common epidemiological characteristics as well as several differences in FBD outbreaks of Korea and Japan. These are suggested to be originated from the characteristic of climate, food sources, and life styles in two countries. Establishment of stricter control and surveillance system for FBD outbreaks are required for prevention and reduction of FBD outbreaks in both countries.

This study was performed to investigate the toxic effect of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Symphytum officinale in rat. For this experiment, 120 male and female rats of Sprague-Dawley strain were used. The experimental groups were divided into five: Group CM and CF served as normal control with its gender. Group EMl and EF1 were fed a 1% Symphytum officinal extract diet for 8 weeks. Group EM2 and EF2 fed a diet containing 2% extract diet. 4% extract diet into group EM3 and EF3 and 8% extract diet into group EM4 and EF4 were given. The results were as follows: 1. The major alkaloids of Symphytum officinale extract were symphytine, echimidine, and lasiocarpine. The amounts of total alkaloid were 168 ug PAs/ ml extract. And contents of PAs in leaves were 0.05% wt.. 2. Total serum bilirubin concentrations increased significantly in group EM2, EM3, and EM4. Group EFl, EF2, EF3,and EF 4 showed statistical significance for the group CF (p$lt;0.05). 3. Aspartate transaminase activities were increased significantly in group EM3 and EM4 (p$lt;0.05). Aspartate transaminase activities of EF1, EF2, EF3, and EF4 showed statistical significance for the group CF (p$lt;0.05). 4. Alanine transaminase activities increased significantly in group EM3, EM4 (p$lt;0.05). Alanine transaminase activities of EFl, EF2, EF3, and EF4 showed statistical significance for the group CF (p$lt;0.05). 5. Alkaline phosphatase activities increased significantly in group EM2, EM3, and EM4 (p$lt;0.05). Alkaline phosphatase activities of EF1, EF2, EF3, and EF4 showed statistical significance for the group CF (p$lt;0.05). 6. Histopathological analysis of liver specimens from group EM3 and EM4 showed focal necrosis, periportal necrosis and apoptosis. Hepatocytes obtained from group EM2 showed fatty change and hydropic degeneration in group EM3 and EM4. Chromatolysis and chromatin margination was shown in group EF2 and EF3. With the above results, it was demonstrated that the Symphytum officinale extract could induce functional change of liver, and histopathological change of liver in rats fed a diet containing extract. In conclusion, because of the risk of intoxication or adverse effect, the composition, dosage and mode of administration of herbal products should be monitored strictly. And this study serves as a reminder that herbal as well as orthodox medications may have serious side effects.