Salmonella outbreak linked to Belgian eggs spreads across Europe

A significant salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated eggs from a Belgian farm has infected at least 306 people in Belgium and is part of a wider European cluster that has sickened hundreds more, including one death in the United Kingdom. The outbreak has prompted large-scale recalls and farm closures, with investigations now also examining chicken products as a potential source. The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) confirmed the 306 infections in Belgium, attributing them to eggs produced by Laerco BV in Geel. Salmonella was first detected at the facility in late April, leading to a recall and the closure of one henhouse in May. However, as new cases continued to emerge, subsequent testing found the bacteria in a second henhouse. This prompted the full closure of the farm, the culling of poultry, and a second, broader recall on August 10. The contaminated eggs were distributed to major supermarket chains including Colruyt, Delhaize, Aldi, and Carrefour. The recall has been extended to Luxembourg, and several other European countries, including the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Portugal, have been notified.