Salmonella alarm in Belgium: 306 people ill, eggs being recalled in 8 European countries

It has been reported that at least 306 people have fallen ill in cases of food poisoning linked to eggs believed to be contaminated with salmonella bacteria in Belgium. The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) announced that a process has been initiated to recall the suspected products from the market.

According to information provided by the official Belga news agency, the source of the eggs was identified as a producer in the Geel region of Belgium. The FAVV stated that the poultry at the farm in question has been placed under quarantine.

FAVV spokesperson Helene Bonte stated that the eggs suspected of salmonella contamination have been recalled in 8 European countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Portugal. Authorities have called on citizens not to consume these eggs and to return them to the stores where they were purchased.

Symptoms of a salmonella infection can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. While complaints in most cases subside within a few days, the infection can lead to more severe consequences for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Egg-related salmonella cases have previously been on the agenda in Belgium. In March 2025, infections observed in approximately 70 people were determined to be linked to egg consumption, and the relevant products were recalled from the market following a joint investigation by the FAVV, the Flemish Health Department, and Sciensano.

According to FAVV data, 149 people fell ill and 20 were hospitalized in 9 food poisoning outbreaks caused by salmonella in Belgium in 2024. Eggs and tiramisu were among the foods strongly linked to the cases. On August 14, 7 young people at a summer camp in the Liege region were hospitalized due to an illness believed to be caused by salmonella.

News Source: 12punto