The study reviews outbreaks of *Escherichia coli* O157:H7 reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 1982 to 2002, covering 49 states. During this period, 350 outbreaks were reported, resulting in 8,598 cases, 1,493 hospitalizations, 354 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and 40 deaths. The primary transmission route was foodborne, with ground beef being the most common vehicle, followed by produce. Other transmission routes included person-to-person, waterborne, animal contact, and laboratory-related. The number of reported outbreaks increased after 1993, peaking in 2000, and the median outbreak size declined over time. The study highlights the importance of regulatory and public health interventions to prevent outbreaks and reduce the risk of infection.The study reviews outbreaks of *Escherichia coli* O157:H7 reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 1982 to 2002, covering 49 states. During this period, 350 outbreaks were reported, resulting in 8,598 cases, 1,493 hospitalizations, 354 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and 40 deaths. The primary transmission route was foodborne, with ground beef being the most common vehicle, followed by produce. Other transmission routes included person-to-person, waterborne, animal contact, and laboratory-related. The number of reported outbreaks increased after 1993, peaking in 2000, and the median outbreak size declined over time. The study highlights the importance of regulatory and public health interventions to prevent outbreaks and reduce the risk of infection.