Salmonella-Contaminated Eggs in Belgium; Potential Distribution to Poland Under Investigation

At least 306 individuals in Belgium have become ill due to Salmonella contamination in eggs, prompting the complete closure of the affected farm. Concerns have been raised that eggs from this source may have been distributed to several European nations, including Poland, according to RMF FM.

Hélène Bonte, spokesperson for the Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC), confirmed the number of illnesses in Belgium. The source of the outbreak was traced to the Laerco farm in Geel, where the bacteria were detected in May. The entire farm was shut down in August, and a mass recall of eggs was initiated.

On August 12, the EU's rapid alert system (RASFF) was activated due to the potential for contaminated eggs to be distributed internationally. The alert listed eight European countries: Poland, France, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands. However, Bonte clarified that reports of egg recalls in these countries were based on a misunderstanding. Recalls were confirmed only in Belgium and Luxembourg, while the other six nations were still verifying if recalls were necessary.

Regarding Poland's inclusion in the RASFF alert, Bonte explained that a Polish company might be involved. She suggested that an individual likely purchased eggs from the Belgian company but registered the transaction under a Polish firm, providing a Polish address. "On paper, it looks like it's a Polish company, but the eggs were never sold in Poland," Bonte stated, adding that the purchase was made in Belgium by someone within the country, but the receipt was registered to a Polish company. Despite this explanation, the FASFC cannot definitively rule out that contaminated eggs reached Poland, leaving the final verification to Polish authorities. RMF FM is awaiting a response from the Main Veterinary Inspectorate in Poland on this matter.

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On paper, it looks like it's a Polish company, but the eggs were never sold in Poland. They were bought here, in Belgium, by a person located on our territory, but the receipt was registered to a Polish company.