A multi-country foodborne illness outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, in which smoked salmon is the suspected cause, has resulted in two deaths, reports the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Between 2022 and 2023, the outbreak has affected Austria, Belgium, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, with reports of 17 cases and two deaths. Infections have occurred mainly in the elderly. Historical human cases related to the outbreak have been detected since 2011. Ready-to-eat (RTE) fish products, mainly smoked salmon, are the likely vehicle of infection.