Threats and outbreaks of salmonellosis
Outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium sequence type (ST) 34 linked to chocolate products
As of 18 May 2022, 324 confirmed (n=266) and probable (n=58) cases of monophasic S. Typhimurium have been identified in cluster 1 (n=231) and cluster 2 (n=35) in the EU/EEA and the United Kingdom.
This outbreak is characterised by high proportion of hospitalised (about 40%) cases and some cases with severe clinical symptoms like bloody diarrhoea.
Based on epidemiological and microbiological investigations, specific chocolate products from a Belgian chocolate factory have been identified as likely vehicles of infection.
Affected cases have been identified through advanced molecular typing techniques. As this method of testing is not routinely performed in all countries, some cases may be undetected.
Product recalls have been launched globally. The recalls aim to prevent the consumption of products potentially contaminated with Salmonella.
Further investigations are being conducted by public health and food safety authorities in countries where cases are reported, to identify the cause and the extent of the contamination, and to ensure contaminated products are not put on the market.