Objective To investigate the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of foodborne diseases in Shiyan City, and to provide targeted measures for the prevention and control of foodborne diseases. Methods The surveillance data of foodborne diseases reported by Taihe Hospital of Shiyan City from 2013 to 2018 was collected and analyzed. Results A total of 1 742 cases of foodborne diseases were analyzed. The incidence peaked twice during the year, May to August and October to November. The pre-school children (≤6 years old) were at the highest risk of contracting foodborne diseases, and were mainly those in kindergartens, as well as those not in school. Grain and grain products accounted for the highest proportion of the presumably exposed foods． The main location of eating contaminated foods was in households. A total of 1 217 samples were tested, and 92 were positive, of which 71 strains were detected with Salmonella, accounting for the highest proportion. Preschool children and the elderly (≥66 years old) had higher detection rates than others. The food of infants and young children was found to have the highest detection rate. Conclusion According to the epidemiology and etiological characteristics of foodborne diseases in Shiyan City, the publicity and education of food safety should be strengthened and the surveillance network system of foodborne diseases should be further improved.