Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa is ‘widespread,’ EU health and food safety authorities warn

European health and food safety officials are raising the alarm about “prolonged and widespread” salmonella outbreaks linked to alfalfa seeds from Italy.

The outbreak has sickened 509 people across nine countries over the past two years, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Authorities have identified multiple salmonella strains, including some “rarely seen in Europe,” the agencies said in a joint alert.

About half of the cases have been reported in Norway, while Sweden has 110 cases and Finland has seen 94. Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Belgium, Estonia, and the United Kingdom have also reported cases.

People got sick after eating sprouted alfalfa seeds linked to a supplier in Italy, which gets its seeds from three growers in the region.

Also known as lucerne, alfalfa is often used as a garnish or added to salads or sandwiches.

The EU agencies said it’s still unclear how the seeds were contaminated and whether cross-contamination occurs along the supply route.

What are the symptoms of salmonella?

Food safety authorities recalled some batches of the seeds, but some countries have identified new cases of salmonella, meaning the contaminated alfalfa may still be in circulation, the agencies said.

“The outbreak is ongoing, and cases of salmonellosis may continue to be found until the point(s) where the seeds were contaminated is identified and properly controlled,” they said.

Salmonella infection can cause stomach pain, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Some people can get seriously sick, for example, babies, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.

The ECDC and EFSA cautioned people against eating raw alfalfa sprouts while the outbreaks are still under investigation.

“Those at risk should avoid eating sprouted seeds, unless they have been cooked thoroughly,” they said.