Salmonella crisis... Eggs recalled from the market, hundreds infected
Hundreds of people have reportedly fallen ill across eight different European countries due to salmonella bacteria detected in eggs originating from Belgium. Authorities have requested that the suspected products be returned immediately.
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Food safety units in Belgium have been put on alert following salmonella cases that have affected a large number of people across the country. According to the latest information, at least 306 people have fallen ill with salmonella infection as a result of consuming contaminated eggs. Following the identification of the responsible batch of eggs, a decision was made to recall the relevant eggs in a total of eight countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Portugal.
Experts point out that the source of the infected eggs is a producer in the Geel region of Belgium, and it has been announced that the chickens at the farm in question have been quarantined and the products have begun to be removed from supermarket shelves. The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV), which issued a statement on the matter, warned citizens to "return the eggs to the market without eating them."
While concerns regarding the salmonella-contaminated eggs spread to many European countries in a short time, FAVV spokesperson Helene Bonte stated that the recall is being implemented in eight countries simultaneously.
Symptoms of the disease include high fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Although symptoms often pass within a few days, the infection can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
SIMILAR CASES HAVE OCCURRED IN PREVIOUS YEARS
This is not the first time such a salmonella outbreak has occurred in Belgium. In a previous incident that took place in March 2025, approximately 70 people sought medical attention due to egg-borne salmonella infection. As part of a joint investigation launched at that time, suspected eggs were recalled from markets.
According to FAVV statistics, it was noted that salmonella was the cause of 9 different food poisoning incidents in Belgium throughout 2024, affecting a total of 149 people, with 20 people hospitalized. In past cases, foods such as eggs and tiramisu were stated to be associated with the outbreaks.
Finally, in recent weeks, similar infections were encountered in seven young people who attended a summer camp in the Liege region, and all of them were taken under treatment.