31 August 2026
A comprehensive epidemiological analysis conducted by the National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute (NIPH NIH – NRI), examining the landscape of foodborne infections and intoxications between 2021 and 2023, points to significant shifts in morbidity patterns and a substantial bacterial disease burden.
During the 2021-2023 period, Poland recorded over 90,000 cases of bacterial foodborne infections and intoxications (an overall incidence rate of approximately 80.2 cases per 100,000 population), representing an incidence 25%–34% higher than the 2015–2019 median. The majority of outbreaks were of bacterial etiology (approximately 53.3%), led by Salmonella events, with Salmonella Enteritidis accounting for around 80% of all salmonellosis outbreaks.
Salmonella continued to be the most common cause of foodborne outbreaks in Poland, responsible for 30%–37% of all reported outbreaks throughout 2021–2023 (229 outbreaks in 2021, 263 in 2022, and 385 in 2023). The Salmonella Enteritidis serotype accounted for approximately 80% of all Salmonella outbreaks. In 2023 alone, this serotype caused 304 outbreaks and 2,107 infections, a surge of more than 76% compared to 2021 figures.
In cases where the exact food vehicle was identified, Salmonella Enteritidis remained the dominant contaminant (70.4% of all outbreaks with a confirmed food vehicle): Eggs and egg products: Represented the primary source of infection, with Salmonella implicated in 81.9% of these outbreaks.
Approximately 25.6% of patients infected with Salmonella in outbreak settings required hospital admission.
Księżak et al. (2026). Foodborne infections and intoxications in Poland in 2021-2023. Przegląd Epidemiologiczny-Epidemiological Review. Mar 3;79(4):716-29.
