Salmonella umbilo Outbreak - UK distribution

There is a current and ongoing outbreak of Salmonella umbilo reported both in RASFF notifications as positive tests and as public health issues . As of late September, there were 98 cases in Germany, 16 patients in Austria and 23 in Denmark.

Human Salmonella Umbilo isolates from Germany, Austria, and Denmark are closely related, indicating a common contamination source.

According to public sources, the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), the Ministry of Health, and the relevant state authorities are investigating the outbreak. There is epidemiological and microbiological evidence that rocket produced in Italy is the vehicle of infection. Salmonella Umbilo was found in the rocket, but affected batches are no longer available in stores.

According to the RASFF notification, countries affected are as follows: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Qatar, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates & United Kingdom.

Those businesses importing Italian rocket are encouraged to ensure that their due diligence supplier monitoring controls are robust. Contact Kelly Shields, Technical Director - kshields@freshproduce.org.uk - if you require further support.