There have already been two major salmonella outbreaks in ground beef in Denmark this year, says a section manager for disease outbreaks at the SSI. “It is not a normal year for ground beef. It is completely unique that we have seen two such large outbreaks,” says Luise Müller.
The two outbreaks involved 68 and 65 infections respectively, but according to SSI this is just the ‘tip of the iceberg’. The last time there was a salmonella outbreak caused by ground beef was in 2019.
Many of those infected had eaten ground beef that they had tasted raw or had not cooked thoroughly.
Last Sunday it became known that Danish Crown has recalled various types of ground beef sold in several supermarket chains. It is not known if anyone has fallen ill from the recalled meat.
In total, Danish Crown has recalled at least 11 tons of ground beef this year. The total production of ground beef by Danish Crown ranges between 250 and 300 tons per week. The company is conducting an investigation into the specific circumstances, after which the ministry will review whether the follow-up measures are effective.
Danish Crown states that strict controls are in place and that many samples are taken daily. “Every day, we take a three-digit number of samples in our production not only to monitor salmonella, but also other bacteria that may pose a health risk to consumers,” it is emphasized.