Multi-country Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouted seeds

According to the Rapid Outbreak Assessment (ROA) published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), alfalfa sprouted seeds have been identified as the source of a multi-country Salmonella Bovismorbificans outbreak.

Between January and May 2026, 109 confirmed cases were reported across 10 EU/EEA countries and the United Kingdom, including Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK. Most cases involved adults, with a majority among women. Eighteen individuals required hospitalization, and one fatality was reported.

Epidemiological and microbiological investigations confirm alfalfa sprouted seeds as the primary source of infection. This is supported by patient interviews and the detection of the outbreak strain in water used for sprouting in the Netherlands and Northern Ireland (UK), along with epidemiological links to a producer in Finland.

Traceability investigations identified a common seed supplier, with implicated seeds imported from India and distributed widely across Europe. Evidence suggests the seeds were contaminated prior to entering the European market and before the sprouting process took place.

Authorities in the affected countries have implemented rigorous control measures, including the withdrawal of implicated seed batches, recall of sprouted seed products, and destruction of suspected items. Although case numbers have declined, health officials urge consumers to maintain proper hygiene at home, such as washing fresh produce and strictly following manufacturer instructions when handling and consuming sprouted seed products.