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.