​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Map of the National Molecular Subtyping Network for Foodborn Disease SurveillancePulseNet is the national molecular subtyping network designed to rapidly detect clusters of foodborne disease outbreaks, ensuring ​​​contaminated food products are quickly recalled.  

PulseNet is vital to food safety. It facilitates the early detection, prevention and control of foodborne diseases by allowing scientists to compare the DNA fingerprinting profiles of bacteria from​​ patients and contaminated food products. Thi​s enables them to detect and define clusters of bacterial foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli O157, and identify the source of contamination.

Although PulseNet has historically used pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to identify pathogens, the network has shifted to next generation technologies, notably whole genome sequencing (WGS). As part of this transition, APHL​ supports the public health laboratories within the PulseNet Network. 

APHL's Role in PulseNet Surveillance​

The PulseNet program within Food Safety works with the federal, state, local and international partners to create a globally integrated surveillance network in response to foodborne disease outbreaks.

APHL also supports development of the network's global arm, PulseNet International, which aims to implement WGS in all public health laboratories globally to improve response to foodborne illnesses and outbreaks.

Quality Assurance

APHL is committed to helping PulseNet participants produce the highest quality WGS data.  High quality data continues to aid in the accuracy with which outbreaks are detected and thus can lead to implementation of more timely and effective preventative measures and improvements to food safety as a whole.

APHL collaborates with CDC to manage the network's standard operating procedures by administering, organizing and evaluating certifications and proficiency testing (PT).

PulseNet-related Conference and Meetings 

Regional Meetings

APHL coordinates with several partners to convene the regional PulseNet​​ and OutbreakNet meetings, which highlight contributions of laboratorians, epidemiologists and environmental health specialists in foodborne surveillance activities and local, regional and national levels.

Information on the 2025 Regional meetings can be found on the National Environmental Health Association Regional meeting webpage, lead organizer of the upcoming meeting. 

Please save the following dates based on your agency's jurisdiction:

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL: January 28–29, 2025

  • St. Louis, MO: February 11–12, 2025

  • San Francisco, CA: February 19–20, 2025 

InFORM Conference

APHL works with various partners to co-sponsor the Integrated Foodborne Outbreak Response and Management (InFORM) conferences. This conference, held every two years, brings various professionals involved with foodborne and enteric disease outbreak response to address issues and develop new innovative solutions to improve the food safety field. More information will be available in late 2025.