In the introduction, the authors describe the procedures and quality of the surveillance systems for outbreaks of foodborne illness in France. In 2001, 483 reports of foodborne illness outbreaks were submitted by the DDASS to the InVS; the main epidemiological characteristics of these cases are detailed, along with a review of previous years (1987 to 2001) and a departmental map showing the number of reported foodborne outbreaks in 2001. The authors reiterate key recommendations regarding the reporting and prevention of foodborne outbreaks (in institutional food service settings and in the home).