Update on Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pumpkin Seeds in Europe

A snack frequently consumed in daily life has been closely monitored by health authorities in Europe. The detection of the same Salmonella Enteritidis bacteria among cases seen in different regions led the investigation to focus on a specific food product.

81 CASES WERE OBSERVED

In the investigation carried out on 81 people contracting Salmonella infection between May and August, it was determined that the patients consumed pumpkin seeds. Suspicions then focused on products originating from the same supply chain.

PRODUCTS RECALLED

The address of the alarm soon became France. According to the statement made by the French Ministries of Health and Agriculture on Friday, the investigation carried out after the cases were seen in different regions, suspected pumpkin seeds coming from a processing facility in Lot-et-Garonne in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

It was stated that the products in question were sold primarily in Grand Frais stores, but there were also other supermarket chains that purchased products from the same supplier.

Authorities are recalling suspicious products from the market and continuing their investigation to determine the exact source of the contamination. During the inspections carried out at the processing facility, the exact source of the bacteria has not been revealed so far.

6 PEOPLE WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL

It was announced that 6 of the people who fell ill within the scope of the epidemic were hospitalized and 2 people applied to the emergency room. In the statement of the ministries, it was stated that the health conditions of the patients were positive and all of them returned to their homes.

However, health authorities especially warned people in the risk group. It has been reported that Salmonella infection can be more severe in young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and the elderly.

THIS IS HOW THE SYMPTOMS APPEAR

Salmonella infection often manifests itself with diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. According to officials, symptoms are expected to appear within 7 days after consumption. It is stated that if there are no symptoms within this period, there is no need to consult a doctor.

EVERY YEAR 198 THOUSAND PEOPLE ARE CONTRACTED WITH SALMONELLA

The development also brought to the agenda once again that Salmonella should not be associated only with animal products such as meat and eggs.

Although the bacteria is common in raw meat, eggs and dairy products, fruits, vegetables and other plant products can also be contaminated. Recent cases linked to pumpkin seeds were a striking example of this risk.

According to the data of France's health institution, Santé publique France, approximately 198 thousand Salmonella cases are recorded in the country every year. It is estimated that approximately 183 thousand of these cases were transmitted through food.

SECOND ALARM IN EUROPE

But the Salmonella alarm in Europe is not limited to pumpkin seeds. The number of cases in the epidemic linked to eggs from a chicken farm in Belgium increased to 312. According to data from the public health institute Sciensano, at least 312 people were affected by the epidemic as of September 2.

Another detail that revealed the extent of the epidemic was the amount of eggs released into the market. It was stated that approximately 2 million potentially contaminated eggs were released into the market in Belgium and Luxembourg.

While a recall has been initiated for the eggs in question in Luxembourg, authorities do not rule out the possibility that the true extent of the epidemic may be higher than the announced figure.

THE ACTUAL BALANCE SHEET MAY NOT HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE YET

The reason for this is that Salmonella infections do not always have severe symptoms.

It is stated that in the epidemic in Belgium, many people did not get tested because they experienced mild symptoms or showed no symptoms. For this reason, it is considered that the 312 cases detected may not fully reflect the true toll of the epidemic.