From May 2016 through October 2016, at least seven countries have confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis, signaling a multi-country outbreak.

There has been a total of 112 confirmed cases, along with 148 probable cases. The countries that have reported cases include Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK. Croatia has also reported some cases in addition to one possible death linked to the outbreak. Also, nine of the confirmed cases are associated with a travel history to Hungary or Poland, meaning that the two countries are also considered to be affected by this outbreak.

With the use of whole genome sequencing, epidemiological tests and a traceback investigation, the source of the outbreak has been linked to an egg packing facility located in Poland. Distribution of the eggs to Member States within the European Union (EU) has ceased.

The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention along with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are working with EU Member States to continue monitoring the outbreak and additional cases and illnesses that will likely arise.

See the EFSA's official outbreak assessment.

Sign up for Food Safety Magazine’s bi-weekly emails!