[Epidemic food outbreaks and activities of Department of Prevention: critic factors].

: The Authors critically review three food poisoning episodes occurred within the coverage area of ASL NA2, and the related epidemiological researches carried out by the Prevention Department. Events, methodology, results, strength points, and criticalities are singularly described for each episode. Among the main criticalities: timeliness, the missed recovery of food samples and the absence of a reference head laboratory. In conclusion, the Authors insist on the need to select a central referral facility, responsible for coordinating services between the Department and all the other facilities within the coverage area.