Headlines - Recent Outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis Foodborne Illness in Eastern France

Between June 23 and July 21, three outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis foodborne illness in the Territoire de Belfort were reported to the Franche-Comté Regional Health Agency (ARS). From the very first outbreak, the food investigation conducted jointly by the ARS and the DDCSPP pointed to the consumption of raw eggs (used in homemade desserts): the Directorate General for Food (DGAL) immediately suspected a common source with a similar outbreak that occurred in the Bas-Rhin, as both families purchased their supplies from the same retail chain. In both cases, the same fresh egg packing center in Germany was identified. The detection of Salmonella in the egg batches sold during the second incident supported this hypothesis. The DGAL required the retail chain to recall the affected batches (the stores were located in the Grand Est region). Between June 23 and July 21, six outbreaks of foodborne illness caused by S. Enteritidis reported to the InVS and involving departments 54, 57, 67, and 90 were linked to this common source (consumption of homemade desserts/mayonnaise made with uncooked eggs from the same packing center). A total of 45 cases (including 4 hospitalized) were identified, 16 of whom tested positive for S. Enteritidis in stool cultures. Subtyping via molecular analysis (MLVA) was performed by the CNR for Salmonella, which identified the same profile across all 6 outbreaks. At the same time, the InVS notified its European partners of this outbreak. Austria also reported cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infection possibly linked to this source. Germany ordered the destruction of the affected batch of chickens and had the farm cleaned and disinfected.