Austrian Salmonella outbreaks tied to Polish chicken meat
Austria is currently in the process of investigating three suspected foodborne outbreaks. These outbreaks are not only confined to Austria but have also been reported in other European Union nations. It is likely that these cases are linked to chicken kebab skewers from Poland, which have been contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.
Since February 2023, Austria has recorded 14 cases of individuals contracting a specific strain of Salmonella (Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 CT9791). This particular strain has also been reported from cases of illness in Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, a separate outbreak involving Salmonella (Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 CT13755) has impacted Austria, with seven individuals falling ill since April, and sadly, one fatality. During the investigation of this outbreak, it was revealed that another strain of salmonella (Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 CT2114) is responsible for an additional six cases of illness in Austria, as well as cases in various other European countries including Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
Preliminary investigations strongly suggest that the source of the infection is likely to be chicken meat of Polish origin, specifically used in the production of kebab skewers.
