Wattpoultry: Multi-nation Salmonella outbreak linked to Polish eggs

A multi-nation outbreak of Salmonella infections has been traced to an egg packing center in Poland, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

EFSA reported that seven countries have reported cases of Salmonella enteritidis between May 1 and October 12, but it wasn’t until late October that the illnesses have been linked to any possible source.

The countries to report illnesses include Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the U.K. Croatia has also reported a cluster of Salmonella cases, including one fatal one, that may be traceable to the same source.

Authorities in Poland and other EU Member States have now halted distribution of eggs from the center, which EFSA did not identify.

Increased monitoring recommended

In order to contain the outbreak and identify potential new cases, The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and EFSA recommend that countries step up their monitoring and sharing of information.

Affected countries should continue sharing details on epidemiological, microbiological and environmental investigations, including issuing relevant notifications using the rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) and the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS), EFSA recommends.

EFSA also asks that new cases of Salmonella be reported to the Epidemic Intelligence Information System for foodborne and waterborne diseases.