Dozens of individuals have fallen ill across at least eight countries due to a life-threatening bacterial outbreak linked to fresh produce. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports that 50 people have been infected with Salmonella Bovismorbificans between January and April 2026.
Hospitalizations and Suspected Source
At least five people have been hospitalized in this outbreak, which officials suspect is tied to sprout seeds originating from Italy. Cases have been identified in Ireland, Finland, Wales, and England, with additional infections reported in four other nations.
First Reports and Recalls
The first illness reports came from The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto), which previously documented 32 cases in Finland. Ireland has confirmed three cases. In England and Wales, 15 infections have been identified since January. In response, certain batches of Good4U Super Sprouts Super Greens have been recalled in the UK and Ireland due to Salmonella contamination.
Symptoms and Risks
Salmonella infections typically cause diarrhea and stomach cramps within six hours to six days of exposure, with symptoms usually resolving within four to seven days. However, in vulnerable groups—including children under five and adults over 50—the bacteria can spread to the bloodstream, leading to the potentially fatal complication of sepsis. Produce can become contaminated if treated with water tainted by animal feces. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.
Official Statements
Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), stated: 'We are working closely with public health agencies to investigate an international Salmonella outbreak which has been linked to consumption of sprouted seeds. Investigations into the source of the contamination are ongoing, however the risk to the UK public is low given a voluntary recall has been initiated for the affected product. If you have bought the recalled product, please do not eat it. If you have handled the recalled sprouted seeds you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and clean any contaminated kitchen utensils.'
Recall Details and International Cases
The UK recall affects Good4U Super Sprouts Super Greens in 60g packs, with all packs having use-by dates up to and including May 3. Alongside Finland, Ireland, England, and Wales, ten additional cases with similar Salmonella strains have been identified in four other countries. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the HSE National Health Protection Office are investigating and have linked the illnesses to sprouted seeds. According to a Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) alert, the suspected sources are alfalfa seeds, clover seeds, broccoli seeds, and radish seeds from Italy.
Previous Outbreaks
This is not the first international outbreak tied to seeds. Between 2023 and 2025, an outbreak linked to sprouted seeds caused 509 cases of Salmonella across ten countries, with 94 cases in Finland, 110 in Sweden, and 257 in Norway. That incident involved eight Salmonella serotypes, though not Salmonella Bovismorbificans. An investigation pointed to a supplier in Italy that sourced seeds from three growers in the same region.
Regulatory Issues
According to Food Safety News, a Health and Food Safety (DG Sante) audit conducted in May and June 2025 in Italy found that sprouted seeds were being produced by unregistered companies, and there was a lack of enforcement by authorities. In response, Italian officials stated that more detail would be included in regional databases on operators, specifically seed producers, which would improve risk-based control measures.
