Denmark has been shocked again by dozens of reports of salmonella infections. Over the past weekend, another large batch of ground beef was withdrawn from sale, and according to the Statens Serum Institut (SSI), it is an unusual situation with such a widespread contamination.
There have already been two major salmonella outbreaks in minced beef in Denmark this year, says a section manager for disease outbreaks at SSI. “It is not a normal year for minced beef. It is completely unique that we have seen two such major outbreaks,” says Luise Müller.
The two outbreaks had 68 and 65 infections respectively, but SSI says this is just the "tip of the iceberg." The last time there was a salmonella outbreak from ground beef was in 2019.
Many of those infected had eaten ground beef that they had tasted raw or had not cooked.
Last Sunday it was announced that Danish Crown has recalled several types of ground beef that are sold in various supermarket chains. It is not known whether anyone has become ill from the recalled meat.
In total, the Danish Crown has recalled at least 11 tonnes of minced beef this year. Danish Crown’s total production of minced beef is between 250 and 300 tonnes per week. The company is investigating the specific circumstances, after which the ministry will assess whether the follow-up measures are effective.
Danish Crown states that strict control is in place and that many samples are taken daily. “Every day we take a three-digit number of samples in our productions not only to salmonella, but also other bacteria that could pose a health risk to consumers,” it is emphasized.