Key Update

An outbreak of a rare Salmonella strain has sickened 40 people in Germany, with one reported death. Health authorities suspect a chocolate-hazelnut spread as the likely source of infection. Children and adolescents, particularly from eastern regions, account for most of the cases. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is leading the investigation in collaboration with other public health agencies.

Rare Strain Raises Concern

Investigators identified the outbreak strain as Salmonella Bochum, an extremely rare serovar. Germany typically reports only 0–4 cases per year, and no infections were recorded between 2019 and 2024. Similarly, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) documented just 12 cases across EU/EEA countries during the same period. Laboratory testing shows that the strain remains susceptible to all commonly tested antimicrobial treatments.

Children Most Affected

As of April 14, 2026, authorities have linked 40 cases to the outbreak, with illness onset dating back to September 2025. Cases have appeared steadily over time, suggesting continuous exposure. Children aged 2–15 years make up 75% of the cases. Among them, those aged 6–12 years are the most affected. Adult patients range from 21 to 82 years. A 60-year-old individual has died in connection with the outbreak.

Investigation Points to Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread

Health officials suspect a long shelf-life food product due to the absence of a sharp peak in cases. Interviews with affected individuals and their families revealed that most had consumed a specific brand of chocolate-hazelnut spread shortly before falling ill. To confirm this link, RKI conducted a case-control study comparing affected individuals with non-ill controls of similar age and location. The analysis showed a strong association between illness and one particular brand of spread. Individuals who consumed this product were significantly more likely to develop an infection, while other brands showed no such link.

Product Recall and Ongoing Investigation

Authorities recalled the suspected product on April 9, 2026, after detecting Salmonella in certain batches during internal quality checks. Investigators continue to examine food samples, production processes, and supply chains, while also conducting further interviews and genomic analyses to confirm the source and prevent additional cases.

Source: Food Safety Magazine