The aim of the focus action was to check eggs from EU countries for the presence of salmonella.

50 samples from all over Austria were examined:

• no sample was objected to

In 2016, 94,530 cases of salmonellosis (illness caused by infection with Salmonella) were reported in humans in the EU. Salmonella Enteritidis - the most common type of salmonella - was responsible for 59% of all salmonellosis cases originating in the EU and is mainly associated with the consumption of eggs, egg products and poultry meat. For example, in 2016, Salmonella Enteritidis was detected in raw chicken eggs from Poland. In this context, foodborne outbreaks were registered in seven EU Member States.

The number of Salmonella Enteritidis infections acquired in the EU has increased by 3% since 2014. The aim of this focus action was to assess to what extent chicken eggs from other EU countries sold in Austria are affected by this development.