Objective To study the epidemiological characteristics of foodborne disease outbreaks in China mainland in 2012. Methods The foodborne outbreaks data collected by National Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Surveillance System were analyzed. Results Total 917 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported in 30 provinces, which caused 13 679 illnesses and 137 deaths. The microbial pathogens caused the largest percentage of outbreaks (27.81%,255/917) and illnesses (50.03%,6 844/13 679). Poisonous mushrooms caused the largest percentage of deaths (55.47%,76/137). 41.77%(383/917)and 34.68%(318/917)outbreaks were associated with food prepared in private home and restaurant, respectively. Conclusion Microbial pathogens were the most common cause of foodborne outbreaks in China. More attention should be paid on education of the poisonous mushrooms.