To understand the epidemiological characteristic of foodborne disease in Suzhou.Methods The data of foodborne disease outbreaks occurred during 2001-2013 that were reported by 10 health departments from district or county was reviewed and descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted. Results During 2001-2008, Suzhou CDC received 343 reports of foodborne disease outbreaks, which resulted in 7 213 reported cases of illness, no death. Foodborne disease outbreaks were reported every year with a large peak (46.9%, 161/343) from July to September. The largest outbreaks occurred in institutional settings (56.6%, 194/343). Reporting rate of foodborne disease outbreaks was decreased during the surveillance period. A single confirmed or suspected etiologic agent was reported for 214 outbreaks. Of the 214 outbreaks, 70.1% (150/214) were caused by bacteria or suspicious bacteria, 16.4% (35/214) were caused by toxic agents, and 13.6% (29/214) were caused by chemical. 83.3% (140/168) of the 168 outbreaks with confirmed etiologic factors were caused by 10 etiologic factors. The most etiologic factor was Vibrio parahaemolyticus (36.3%), which resulted in 1 436 cases. During 2009-2013 could be assigned to one of 5 commodity categories:aquatic product (33.3%, 24/72), meat and its product (23.6%, 17/72), others (15.3%, 11/72), blended foods (13.9%, 10/72) and vegetables (13.9%, 10/72). The pathogen-commodity pairs most commonly responsible for outbreaks were scombroid toxin-histamine (or puffer fish tetrodotoxin) and fish, organophosphorus and natural plant toxic-fruits/vegetables, nitrite-seasoning, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and aquatic product. Conclusion Analysis of foodborne disease outbreak investigations reported provides information that enhances understanding of the epidemiology of foodborne disease in Suzhou. These findings underline the importance of targeted prevention measures for the specific foods that are associated with the most outbreaks and illnesses. Most foodborne illnesses are preventable, and timely investigation and reporting of foodborne disease outbreaks provides information that might help to reduce foodborne illnesses. Perfect report information management system can improve outbreak reporting.