It also enables surveillance data to be collected that can help in planning ways to prevent future outbreaks.
But if the particular food that caused the infection cannot be found, it may be more difficult to prevent future outbreaks.
These efforts are necessary, but not sufficient, to prevent future outbreaks.
It is an effort, but there will be no future outbreaks of emotion.
Even now, however, the department appears in no hurry to activate safety standards that could reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Ultimately, though, finding the source of the disease may help health authorities to prevent future outbreaks.
The report is particularly good - indeed it is its main strength - on the measures needed to combat any future outbreak.
The views of the European inquiry were clear about how a future outbreak should be handled.
This means that in the event of future outbreaks the Commission might spend far less money on slaughter.
Who is to cover the losses due to future outbreaks of disease?