While national food safety authorities have noted a recent rise in salmonella cases, it does not necessarily indicate an issue in the standards for food safety in Belgium, according to the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC).
Almost 70 people in Belgium were confirmed to be affected by a rising strain of salmonella between the start of 2025 and 17 February, the FASFC announced earlier this month. The outbreak was linked to free-range eggs produced by Depo-Ei CV. This triggered a product recall which was expanded last week.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, a type of food poisoning. It affects around 3000 people in Belgium every year, although this is likely an underestimation, according to the National Reference Centre. In the vast majority of cases, it is a benign infection that does not require medical treatment. In severe cases, antibiotics may be needed.
While the exact causes of the recent outbreak are still under investigation, salmonella contaminations are not always related to health violations."They're a natural part of [animal's] systems, it lives in their flora, so it's not unusual that we find traces in meat or eggs," said FASFC spokesperson, Hélène Bonte.
Salmonella is often present in poultry. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck
Salmonella is orally transmitted to humans. This happens due to the consumption of raw or undercooked food which is infected, or the consumption of food contaminated with the faeces of an infected animal. Salmonella can also be transmitted indirectly by eating food products that were contaminated by other food or water which had the bacteria. In rare cases, it can be spread through contact with pets.
To reduce risks for consumers, national prevention systems are already in place, Bonte adds. "The farmers have to do analysis on their products to keep an eye on the possibility of salmonella, so they have to control it themselves. But the FASFC also does these tests."
Although the 2024 FASFC report is yet to be published, the 6111 analyses for salmonella carried out in 2023 on food products showed a "high rate of food safety", with a 98.7% compliance.
Salmonella can be present is multiple food products but there are many prevention systems. Credit: Belga/Charlotte Gekiere
In addition, to the analysis, the EU has a set of hygiene legislation that food operators must follow to prevent outbreaks. Specific salmonella reduction programs targeting the poultry sector in member states have proven to be successful in reducing human salmonella infection, according to Bonte.
Nonetheless, consumers also have an essential role in food safety, Bonte reminded. "Respect the conservation temperatures and preparation instructions on the label of the packaging of foods, avoid cross-contamination, avoid consumption of raw meat and eggs, washing hands before and during food preparations."
