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Introduction: The occurrence of bacterial gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella, Campylobacter and Yersinia increased in Denmark during the 1980s and 1990s. The incidence rate peaked in 1997, when 146 cases per 100,000 inhabitants were registered. But many cases remain unreported, and only an estimated 5-20% of the actual number of cases are registered. Materials and methods: The societal costs related to foodborne infections were estimated for seven different patient groups based on direct medical costs and lost productivity. The overall costs of the Salmonella control programmes were estimated through reports from the National Audit Office and cost statements from the food industry. Results: In 2001, 7,824 cases of gastroenteritis were caused by Salmonella, Campylobacter and Yersinia. The actual number of foodborne cases of gastroenteritis was estimated at 34,000-135,000 cases, equivalent to a societal cost of $23 million-$58 million. Since 1988, the Salmonella programmes have reduced the number of foodborne Salmonella infections to produce an estimated reduction in societal costs of $103 million-$240 million. During 1994-2001, the cost of running the Salmonella programmes was more than $183 million. Discussion : The Danish Salmonella programmes have been very successful in reducing the number of foodborne infections. The reduced societal costs are estimated minima, as the costs of sequelae and premature death as well as the food industry's increased profits due to its improved competitive position are not included.

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