24-08-2026 | Investigation of Salmonella infections still ongoing

In July 2026, RIVM restarted an investigation into a major outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis that has been ongoing since spring 2025. In total, there are now 111 notifications within this cluster, spread over 2025 and 2026. In 2026, 31 reports were received in 2026, of which 10 were received in June and 8 in July.

Questionnaire survey

GGDs ask people who became ill to indicate what they ate and where and when it was. So far, RIVM has received seven questionnaires.  The number of questionnaires is currently small. That is why it is too early to draw conclusions about the source of the outbreak. One of the people who completed a questionnaire was admitted to a hospital. 

Also in the United Kingdom (UK) is an outbreak with the same Salmonella bacterium. This year, 206 people fell ill. During the outbreak investigation in the UK, imported eggs were most commonly cited as a source. However, it is not yet clear whether this is the source. The Netherlands is working with the UK and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) to identify the source of the outbreak. 

Preventing Salmonella

To prevent contamination, it is important to cook meat and eggs well, keep kitchen equipment clean and wash hands before cooking and after contact with raw meat or eggs.

13-07-2026: Re-examination of Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak 

In 2025, RIVM investigated a major outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis in the Netherlands. The cluster consisted of 80 patients. Possible sources were chicken products and eggs, but no clear cause was found. After a period without new patients, the number of new infections will increase again in 2026. Therefore, the outbreak investigation was restarted in July 2026. GGDs therefore fill in food questionnaires of people who have become ill. They ask them to indicate what they have eaten, and where and when that was.  Also outside the Netherlands are reports of sick people associated with this cluster. The Netherlands now has the highest number of reports in Europe. 

Salmonella Enteritidis is a bacterium that can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Salmonella infections are common in the Netherlands and form an important part of food-related infections. This is also stated in the recently published RIVM-report: Foodborne and other enteral infections in the Netherlands. Annual Report 2025.

People can get this infection by eating contaminated animal products, such as chicken and eggs. To prevent contamination, it is important to let meat and eggs cook well, to keep kitchen equipment clean, and to wash hands before cooking and after contact with raw meat or eggs.