21 July 2026
A report on foodborne and waterborne disease surveillance in Greece reveals that Salmonella species were the leading cause of bacterial outbreaks between 2004 and 2025.
Out of 775 total clusters and outbreaks reported through the Mandatory Notification System, the causative agent was identified in 605 cases. Bacteria accounted for the vast majority (94%) of these known-agent outbreaks, with Salmonella spp. being the most frequently identified pathogen. Among the reported salmonellosis clusters, Salmonella Enteritidis was responsible for a significant share, accounting for 123 of the 489 reported cases.
The epidemiological data highlight key trends regarding Salmonella and other foodborne pathogens:
- Seasonality: Outbreaks follow a clear seasonal curve, rising during the summer months, peaking in August, and declining into autumn.
- Implicated Foods: Poultry and eggs were the most frequently incriminated foodstuffs in foodborne transmission.
Overall notification rates spiked post-pandemic in 2023 and 2024 before experiencing a 12.3% drop in 2025. Public health experts attribute post-pandemic increases across Europe to factor combinations including enhanced diagnostic technologyl, and improved event-based surveillance.
Source: National Public Health Organization (NPHO), Greece. Epidemiological Data for Foodborne/Waterborne Clusters/Outbreaks in Greece 2004-2025 (Mandatory Notification System, Department of Foodborne/Waterborne Diseases and Food Safety, updated July 2026).
