Health authorities have confirmed the presence of salmonella in a batch of chicken sold through a supermarket in the central Greek city of Lamia, as an investigation into a cluster of infections continues.
According to the first laboratory findings, the contaminated batch tested positive for the bacteria. Two employees at a local food service business, where salmonella cases had previously been identified, have also tested positive.
Authorities are still awaiting confirmation of the specific salmonella strain found in a whole chicken from the same producer.
More Test Results Pending
The investigation remains ongoing, with laboratory analyses continuing on samples collected from other food establishments where people who later developed salmonellosis had eaten chicken before being hospitalized.
Inspectors have collected samples from both food products and staff at the businesses involved to help determine the source and extent of the contamination.
At the same time, the regional veterinary authority has launched inspections at the production facility in northern Greece from which the contaminated chicken originated. Officials are examining both the poultry farm and the processing plant to determine whether other batches may also have been affected.
No New Cases Reported
Despite the initial public concern, authorities say no new salmonella cases have been officially recorded in Lamia.
However, the incident has had an impact on consumer confidence. Businesses report that demand for chicken has fallen sharply in both restaurants and retail stores.
Restaurant owners are urging authorities to publicly identify the specific batches that have been tested and withdrawn from the market, arguing that clear and transparent information is necessary to protect businesses that are not connected to the contaminated products or the salmonella cases.
