Sweden is currently investigating an outbreak of Salmonella potentially linked to imported eggs. The Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten) has reported that multiple strains are involved, with varying epidemiological evidence suggesting eggs as the source for each suspected strain.
Since the beginning of the year, cases of Salmonella Enteritidis have been documented, with investigations indicating a possible connection to egg consumption, particularly from imports believed to be sourced from Ukraine. The number of individuals affected by each strain ranges from two to 22, with infections first identified between late 2023 and early 2024. Most cases have onset dates occurring from late July through September. Patients include individuals across all age groups without significant gender disparity.
Officials advise against consuming raw eggs or dishes made with raw eggs from countries outside Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Properly heating whole eggs or foods containing them can mitigate the risk of infection when consuming such products.
The investigation is ongoing and involves collaboration among regional infection control authorities, municipalities, the Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket), and the Public Health Agency of Sweden. Despite extensive testing in smaller shops and restaurants where patients consumed soft-boiled or unheated eggs—often found in mayonnaise, Béarnaise sauce, and pasta carbonara—no Salmonella has been detected in these products. This indicates that contaminated eggs or egg-based items have not yet been identified.
In addition to this outbreak, officials noted that a separate Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak appears to be over without identifying its source. During August and September, 35 people across 11 regions fell ill; patients ranged in age from 1 to 89 years old, with a median age of 45. The majority were women while 11 were men. Efforts to trace potential sources through interviews and purchase receipts did not yield conclusive results regarding what food item may have caused these illnesses.
In a related incident last year, an outbreak linked to CA Cedergren—a major laying hen facility in Sweden—resulted in 82 reported illnesses associated with Salmonella Enteritidis. A closely related strain was also responsible for a large outbreak in Belgium in 2022 that affected hundreds and was connected to another laying hen site there.
Published on October 14, 2024 and Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by: Priyank Pandey
