The latest EU One Health Zoonoses Report unveils alarming trends in foodborne illnesses across Europe, with fatalities in 2023 reaching a decade-high. These findings call for immediate action from the food industry to address safety gaps and protect public health.

Key Findings:

1. Fatalities Surge:
• Deaths: 2023 saw the highest foodborne illness fatalities in a decade.
• Top Offender: Salmonella caused 16 deaths out of 1,115 outbreaks, highlighting the pathogen’s severe impact.
2. Infections by Pathogen (2023):

1. Food Sources:
• Listeria monocytogenes: Found in 0.78% of tested ready-to-eat (RTE) food samples, with fermented sausages leading contamination.
• Salmonella: Eggs, mixed foods, and poultry were the top sources, with eggs linked to 83 outbreaks.
• Campylobacter: Poultry and meat products were major contributors to over 1,174 illnesses.

Notable Trends:

1. Listeriosis on the Rise:
• Cases of Listeria monocytogenes surged to 2,952 in 2023, a steady increase since 2019.
• Vulnerable Population: With over 20% of Europeans aged 65+, this demographic faces higher risks of severe outcomes.
2. Salmonella Reduction Goals Falter:
• EU Member States meeting Salmonella reduction targets in poultry dropped from 19 in 2022 to just 15 in 2023, reflecting setbacks in mitigation efforts.
3. Campylobacteriosis Stability:
• Although Campylobacteriosis remained the most reported zoonotic disease with 141,181 cases, the long-term trend has remained stable since 2019.

Economic and Industry Implications

Foodborne illnesses affect more than public health—they have direct financial repercussions for the food industry:

• Legal Costs: Non-compliance with safety regulations can result in penalties and lawsuits.
• Reputation Damage: Foodborne outbreaks erode consumer trust, impacting brand loyalty.
• Operational Disruptions: Contaminations lead to recalls, loss of inventory, and halted production lines.

Action Points for the Food Industry

To combat this growing threat, the industry must focus on:

1. Enhanced Pathogen Testing:
• Increase testing of high-risk foods like RTE products, dairy, and poultry.
2. Technology Adoption:
• Use blockchain for real-time supply chain tracking and IoT for contamination monitoring.
3. Workforce Training:
• Equip employees with the skills to maintain safety protocols, from production to distribution.
4. Meeting Compliance Targets:
• Collaborate with regulators to improve adherence to Salmonella reduction standards.

Call for Action

“The rise in severe outcomes from foodborne outbreaks highlights the persistent public health threat posed by Salmonella and other pathogens,” noted Celine Gossner, Head of ECDC’s Emerging, Food- and Vector-Borne Diseases Section.

This report underscores the need for robust safety protocols and a renewed commitment to preventive strategies. By addressing these challenges with data-driven approaches, the food industry can protect both public health and its bottom line.

The stakes are clear: prioritize safety or face the consequences. The time to act is now.