European health authorities are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cashew butter that has affected dozens of young children across Austria and Germany, according to Euronews.com. The outbreak, first detected in Germany during late May, has resulted in significant hospitalizations and prompted widespread product recalls.
Germany has documented 52 confirmed Salmonella cases among children under five years old, with 24 requiring hospital treatment. Austria has reported an additional 13 cases, predominantly affecting young children as well. The outbreak stems from Salmonella Infantis, a bacterial strain typically associated with contaminated poultry products.
Health investigators conducted interviews with approximately two dozen parents to trace the contamination source. Their investigation identified a ready-to-eat raspberry-flavored cashew butter mousse sold in German supermarkets as the outbreak’s origin. German food safety authorities have since issued recall notices for the affected product.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control confirmed that the implicated cashew butter was distributed beyond Germany and Austria. Additional countries receiving the product include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. However, as of June 4, none of these nations had reported Salmonella cases connected to the contaminated food item.
Health officials warn that the product’s extended shelf life creates ongoing risk potential. Consumers may still possess the recalled cashew butter in their homes, potentially leading to additional illness reports in upcoming weeks. The ECDC continues monitoring the situation and has requested affected countries to share outbreak-related Salmonella sample data for comprehensive analysis.
Salmonella contamination typically causes diarrhea, headaches, abdominal pain, general discomfort, vomiting, and mild fever symptoms. Young children, infants, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems face elevated risks and may experience more severe illness manifestations.
This outbreak represents one of several recent Salmonella incidents across the European Union. In March, the ECDC issued warnings regarding widespread outbreaks connected to contaminated alfalfa seeds originating from Italy.
The investigation remains active as health authorities work to prevent additional cases while monitoring distribution patterns of the recalled product. Officials have stressed the importance of checking household food supplies and disposing of any recalled cashew butter products to prevent further illness occurrences.
