An international disease outbreak with more than 150 registered cases of Salmonella Umbilo – including 22 cases in Denmark – has now been resolved. The DTU Food Institute, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and the Statens Serum Institut have investigated the outbreak and found that lettuce from Italy is the source of the infection. The authorities encourage consumers to remember to rinse lettuce and vegetables before use.
“The outbreak could be linked early on to cases of illness in Germany and Austria, and when the authorities in these countries found the same type of salmonella in organic rocket salad and baby spinach from Italy, it led us on the trail of the source of the infection. Interviews with the Danish cases showed that they had largely eaten bagged salad, especially organic arugula and organic baby spinach bought in Rema1000,”
Subsequently, the Italian manufacturer has recalled a number of products where salmonella has been found. In Denmark, it concerns organic rocket salad, which has been delivered to Rema1000 and Aarstiderne, as well as mixed salad, which has also been delivered to Aarstiderne.
“This outbreak emphasizes that it is important to rinse salad and greens before eating them to reduce the risk of getting sick. Even if the salad comes from a ready-made package/bag. You can remove up to 80 percent of the bacteria by rinsing salad and herbs. You only need to rinse the salad if it says ‘Rinsed and ready to use’ on the packaging/bag,” says section leader of the Danish Food and Drug Administration Annette Perge, who also emphasizes that it is not acceptable if there are disease-causing bacteria in lettuce and other greens.
Infection with salmonella typically causes general malaise, diarrhoea, stomach ache, possibly nausea, vomiting and fever. The infection is often accompanied by joint pain, muscle pain and headache. Plenty of fluids are important to prevent and treat dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. In most cases, the symptoms of salmonella are mild and go away on their own. If you get persistent symptoms, you should contact your own doctor.
Here’s how you can avoid getting infected with salmonella from salad:
- Wash hands before starting to cook and after touching unwashed vegetables
- Rinse lettuce and greens thoroughly before use
FoodWorld 