Outbreak of salmonella in Italian sprouts in Europe

A joint report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has documented 510 confirmed cases of salmonellosis in Europe. These cases are associated with the consumption of sprouted seeds originating from Italy. The epidemic, which commenced in January 2023, has impacted at least ten European nations. Norway has been most severely affected, reporting 257 cases, followed by Sweden with 110 and Finland with 94 cases. Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Belgium, Estonia, and the United Kingdom have reported fewer cases, totals of 30, 9, 4, 3, 1, and 1 cases, respectively. The outbreak involves eight distinct Salmonella serotypes, specifically S. Adelaide, S. Enteritidis, S. Hvittingfoss, S. Kinondoni, S. Kisarawe, S. Newport, S. Typhimurium, and S. Richmond, some of which are infrequently observed in Europe. Epidemiological investigations have identified sprouted alfalfa seeds as the source of these infections. The product’s origin has been traced to an Italian supplier, who procured the seeds from three growers within the same geographical region.