An unprecedented outbreak of salmonella, according to the relevant authorities, has been reported at a poultry farm in Belgium.
Specifically, at least 306 people have fallen ill after consuming eggs, as announced by the Belgian food safety authority.
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It is estimated that approximately two million eggs, likely contaminated with the bacteria, were distributed on the market in Belgium as well as in neighboring Luxembourg, where local health authorities have also issued a recall order.
According to the agency, patients who developed symptoms were infected with a specific strain of the bacterium that was identified at the farm. A spokesperson for the Belgian Food Safety Agency (AFSCA) clarified that the actual number of people infected is likely much higher, as many individuals either had mild symptoms or remained asymptomatic and, as a result, were not tested.
The official emphasized that, although salmonella occurs relatively frequently in Belgium, such a widespread outbreak is unprecedented. She also added that no deaths linked to the outbreak have been reported.
The goose farm where the outbreak began has been sealed off
The AFSCA identified the initial infection in May, which led to the issuance of a product recall order and the closure of a goose-rearing section at a farm in northern Flanders. As cases continued to rise, authorities moved to shut down the entire facility and cull the birds, following a second recall order on August 10.
Laerco BV was identified as the company responsible for marketing the eggs; it has not yet issued a statement, despite a request from the Reuters news agency.
The AFSCA spokesperson expressed concern that, despite the recall, some of the contaminated eggs may still be in households, posing a risk of new cases.
Source: iefimerida.gr
