The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has unveiled detailed insights into the impact of seven significant foodborne infections across Europe in 2022. Reports covering Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Listeria, Shigella, and Hepatitis A shed light on emerging trends and challenges in food safety.

Of note, Listeria and STEC infections showed an upward trajectory in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This increase is attributed to factors such as heightened sensitivity in detection methods and demographic shifts, particularly in the aging population vulnerable to severe listeriosis.

Meanwhile, Salmonella and Campylobacter, the perennial culprits of foodborne illness, maintained stable levels, suggesting potential behavioral shifts post-pandemic. Factors such as remote work, reduced dining out, and decreased travel may have contributed to this trend.

Campylobacteriosis and Salmonellosis cases totaled 140,241 and 65,967, respectively, across 30 countries in Europe. While the Czech Republic and Luxembourg reported the highest notification rates for Campylobacteriosis, France led in Salmonella cases.

Noteworthy outbreaks included Salmonella strains linked to various food sources, including chicken meat, tomatoes, cucumbers, and undercooked hamburgers. Additionally, multi-country clusters underscored the challenges in tracing contamination sources effectively.

Listeriosis and STEC infections witnessed their highest notification rates in over a decade, with Germany, France, and Spain reporting the most cases. Multi-country incidents, often linked to processed meat products, highlight persistent challenges in addressing cross-border food safety threats.

Furthermore, Hepatitis A cases experienced a marked decline, attributed to preventive measures such as improved hygiene practices and increased vaccination efforts. Despite this, sporadic outbreaks linked to contaminated food items, particularly frozen berries, underscore ongoing risks.

Overall, the data underscores the complex landscape of foodborne illnesses in Europe, highlighting the need for continued vigilance, cross-border collaboration, and robust preventive measures to safeguard public health.

Source:https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/increase-severe-food-borne-infections-reported-eueea-2022