According to some headlines, one person has died following the Salmonella Umbilo epidemic involving several European countries and linked to salads from Italy
In the summer, two recalls of rocket produced in Italy were triggered, while in Austria almost 20 people were hospitalized for salmonellosis. Ages, the Austrian food safety authority then linked the infection to the consumption of rocket Italian found to be contaminated with bacteria.
Since then, the European alert was notified to the Rasff on 20 September, involved half of Europe and reports several cases of infection from Salmonella umbilo. And to date, some specialized newspapers also report the news of a person’s death.
Between July and September 2024, around 200 cases of Salmonella umbilo were reported in nine European countries, with Germany as the most affected nation, recording 118 infections.
According to a study, the presence of the bacterium was detected in arugula and subsequently in baby spinach, both produced by a single Italian company.
The notification to the Rasff and the extent of the epidemic
As we were saying, the European Union’s rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF) received the first official notification on September 20, 2024highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Since then, the epidemic has struck nine European countries involving not only Germany, the country with the highest number of infections (118 cases), but also Denmark, Austria and other member states, for a total of approximately 200 infections reported between July and September 2024 . One death has been registered in Austria confirming the severity of the epidemic.
Investigations: a common origin
According to a survey conducted in collaboration between Ages and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany, the origin of the epidemic was identified in broad-leaved vegetable products distributed by a single Italian company. Arugula and baby spinach often used in ready-made salads, were found to be contaminated during microbiological checks. The contamination may have occurred due to inappropriate agricultural practices, such as the use of contaminated water for irrigation or contact with infected animals.
Alert and dissemination
Between July and September, the RKI observed a unusual increase in weekly cases in Germany with a peak of 16-21 cases weekly . Denmark and Austria also reported significant outbreaks, with 22 and 19 confirmed infections respectively by mid-October. Other countries, including France, Belgium and the Netherlands, have recorded sporadic cases, suggesting spread through the food export network.
Health authorities have recommended the immediate recall of batches of rocket and baby spinach distributed in European supermarkets and have intensified controls on cultivation practices. However, the ability of the bacterium to survive even at low temperatures has made it difficult to contain the infection, underlining the importance of a more rigorous monitoring system.
In addition to Germany, Denmark and Austria have also reported, with 22 and 19 infections respectively through mid-October. Below, six other European countries also reported between 1 and 20 cases.
Lesson to learn
The epidemic of Salmonella umbilo highlights the need for one greater transparency in the production chain with a focus on stricter controls to ensure food safety. Europe has already taken steps to improve product traceability, but the case once again highlights the weaknesses of a highly interconnected system.
Further information: Salmonella alarm: are Sicilian cherry tomatoes the culprit? Where and why it took place
ANDEpisodes like these draw attention to more sustainable and safer agricultural practices, and the shared responsibility between producers, distributors and consumers to ensure safe and healthy diets. Italy has a long tradition of high-quality food products, but the recent Salmonella outbreak proves that Food safety is a challenge that must be addressed systematically and continuously.
