More than 100 sick in European Salmonella outbreak

Food Safety News reported the development on 2026-06-26. Alfalfa sprouts, and possibly other sprouted seeds, are the primary food vehicle in the multi-country outbreak.

The report places the news in a wider commercial context. More than 100 people have fallen sick in 11 countries as part of a Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouted seeds from India. Between January and May, 109 confirmed Salmonella Bovismorbificans infections were reported in 10 European countries and the United Kingdom. Finland had the most patients with 35, followed by 30 in the UK and 17 in the Netherlands.

For the food sector, the practical implications extend beyond the immediate announcement. Patients range in age from 4 to 88 years old with 77 females and 31 males ill. Eighteen people required hospitalization. It was previously known that 50 people were sick in seven countries. Two deaths were reported in Finland. Both cases had underlying health conditions, and one was receiving terminal care. Another 50 probable cases are under investigation in four EU.

Attention now turns to how companies, customers and regulators respond. Alfalfa sprouts, and possibly other sprouted seeds, are the primary food vehicle in the multi-country outbreak, said the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).