The number of food poisoning patients surged last year, coming close to 10,000, according to data.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that the number of food poisoning outbreaks in 2025 increased by 20% from the previous year to 319 cases, with the number of patients rising by 28% to 9,780.

Looking at food poisoning cases by month, September recorded the highest number with 45 cases (14%) and 1,475 patients.

This was followed by August with 42 cases, July with 37 cases, and January with 30 cases.

By season, summer saw the highest figures with 107 cases (34%) and 3,551 patients, the ministry explained.

The number of food poisoning patients in spring and autumn stood at approximately 2,300 each, while winter recorded 1,625 patients.

By place of occurrence, restaurants accounted for the most with 192 cases and 3,850 patients.

This was followed by other group meal services with 47 cases and 1,865 patients, and schools with 36 cases and 1,691 patients.

Outbreaks in group meal services mainly occurred at corporate workplaces, while school outbreaks primarily took place at elementary schools.

By causative pathogen, Salmonella food poisoning was the most frequent with 79 cases and 4,248 patients.

Norovirus followed with 68 cases, and pathogenic Escherichia coli with 23 cases.

By food source, mixed dishes accounted for 62 cases, followed by fish and shellfish with 20 cases, and meat with 16 cases.

(Photo: Yonhap News)