Loading Curie Briefs...
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Belgium is dealing with its largest-ever salmonella outbreak, with at least 306 people infected after eating eggs from a contaminated chicken farm. The outbreak, traced to a farm in Flanders, prompted two recalls and the culling of all poultry. Up to 2 million potentially contaminated eggs were sold in Belgium and neighboring Luxembourg.
Belgium is grappling with its biggest salmonella outbreak on record, with at least 306 confirmed infections linked to eggs from a single chicken farm in Flanders. The country's food safety agency, AFSCA, first detected the contamination in May and issued an initial recall, closing one hen house. As cases continued to rise, the entire farm was shut down and all poultry were culled following a second recall on August 10.
The scale of the outbreak is unprecedented for Belgium. Authorities warn the true number of cases is likely much higher, as many people with mild or no symptoms were never tested. No deaths have been reported. The eggs were sold by Laerco BV, which has not yet commented publicly.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Contaminated eggs may still be sitting in people's homes despite the recalls, meaning new cases could continue to emerge. Authorities are reminding the public that thoroughly cooking eggs significantly reduces the risk of infection — a simple but critical step in containing further spread.
