Greek health authorities are investigating nine suspected salmonella cases after all of the affected patients reported eating chicken dishes from the same restaurant before developing symptoms.
The nine patients sought medical attention at Nikaia General State Hospital after experiencing fever, vomiting, and diarrhea consistent with gastroenteritis. They underwent medical examinations and laboratory testing after arriving at the hospital on July 26.
According to information released during the investigation, all nine had ordered chicken dishes from a well-known restaurant in the Athens suburb of Peristeri.
Hospital administrator Eleni Kantaraki said the group included a family with two children, both around 11 years old. She said all patients received the necessary medical care, biological samples were collected for laboratory analysis, and they were later discharged.
“No one required hospitalization, and everyone’s condition stabilized,” Kantaraki said, adding that the exact cause of the illnesses will only be confirmed once laboratory testing is complete.
Investigation Focuses on Source of Contamination
Authorities are continuing to investigate the suspected outbreak, seeking to determine the source of the contamination and whether it may be linked to previous food poisoning incidents reported in other parts of Greece.
So far, similar incidents have been reported in Lamia, the regional unit of Phthiotis, and Kastoria.
Expert Urges Proper Food Handling
Gkikas Magiorkinis, a professor of Hygiene and Epidemiology at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, cautioned that the nine cases have not yet been laboratory-confirmed as salmonellosis.
He noted that cases of gastroenteritis and salmonella are not unusual during the summer months and stressed that properly cooking chicken is the most effective way to prevent infection.
“Chicken should never have any raw portions,” he said. “It should be cooked thoroughly. The recommendation is for it to reach 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least two minutes, which is not particularly difficult. Even if the chicken contains salmonella, it poses no danger once it has been properly cooked.”
Magiorkinis also warned against cross-contamination, explaining that raw chicken should never come into contact with foods such as salads that are not cooked before consumption.
He added that these are standard food safety practices that food businesses are expected to follow and said there is no reason for consumers to fear eating chicken or other meals when proper hygiene procedures are observed.
The professor also advised vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure during periods of high concentrations of Saharan dust, recommending high-filtration masks when necessary and urging people with respiratory or heart conditions to avoid strenuous exercise and continue taking their prescribed medications.
