Objective  To examine the prevalence and risk factors of foodborne illness in Gansu province and to provide evidences for prevention and control of the disease and reasonable allocation of healthcare resources.

  Methods  We selected 4 917 urban and rural households in 2 districts and a county in Gansu province using stratified random sampling and then carried out face-to-face interviews among the household residents with a questionnaire between December 2011 to November 2013.

  Results  Among a total of 4 229 residents completing the survey, the adjusted monthly prevalence of foodborne illness was 6.6% (95% confidence interval 95% CI: 5.8% – 7.3%). Of all the illness sufferers, 70.67% (95% CI: 65.29% – 76.06%) reported medication-seeking for the illness. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, education level, family annual income, season and residential region were significant impact factors for the occurrence of foodborne illness (P < 0.05 for all).

  Conclusion  The prevalence of foodborne illness was high and mainly influenced by age, education level, family annual income, season and residential region among urban and rural community residents in Gansu province.