Greek health authorities have identified the supplier connected to a salmonella outbreak in the city of Lamia, a key development in an investigation that has already been linked to more than 20 reported cases of food poisoning.
The announcement was made by Central Greece’s deputy regional governor for health, Andreas Toulias, who said authorities are now expanding their inquiry to identify the intermediary distributor and the poultry production unit involved in the supply chain.
According to Toulias, inspectors have already visited all food establishments that received the suspected chicken products. Health officials, accompanied by a veterinarian, also carried out checks on employees at the affected businesses.
Authorities have collected samples of raw chicken from the identified supplier and sent them for laboratory testing as they work to determine the exact source of the contamination.
“We have identified the supplier and are trying to trace the entire chain from the beginning, including the intermediary distributor and the production unit,” Toulias said.
Authorities Hope Outbreak Has Been Contained
Toulias expressed confidence that the spread of the outbreak has been limited and said measures have been taken to prevent any further distribution of the suspected batch.
He noted that chicken can pose particular food safety risks during the summer months and said authorities are acting to ensure the contaminated products are no longer supplied to businesses.
“I believe we will not see any new cases,” he said, adding that officials have likely prevented a wider outbreak.
More Than 20 Cases Confirmed
The General Hospital of Lamia confirmed that more than 20 people have sought treatment at its emergency department since July 10, presenting symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting and fever.
Twelve patients required hospitalization and remain under medical care in the hospital’s internal medicine and short-stay units.
Hospital laboratory tests confirmed the presence of salmonella, prompting an immediate alert to Greece’s public health authorities. The notification triggered inspections by regional public health services to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent further infections.
