France investigates Salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated pumpkin seeds
81 infected with Salmonella from contaminated pumpkin seeds; six hospitalized; source traced to French processor.
Event / Health
France Salmonella Outbreak Pumpkin Seeds
Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak in France linked to contaminated pumpkin seeds from a processor in Lot-et-Garonne, distributed primarily by Grand Frais supermarket. 81 cases identified between May-August 2026, with 6 hospitalizations. All patients recovered. Product recall issued September 4, 2026.
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2026-09-04 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 4 Sept, 14:16 UTC
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What happened
Pumpkin seeds contaminated with Salmonella recalled from Grand Frais and other retailers
Contaminated pumpkin seeds sold primarily by Grand Frais supermarket chain and other distributors were recalled. The seeds were distributed as standalone products and in mixed seed products. Organic specialty stores were not affected. Recall notices were published on the Rappelconso website, with additional notices to be published for other retailers.
81 people infected with Salmonella Enteritidis from contaminated pumpkin seeds
A total of 81 people were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis from consuming pumpkin seeds processed in Lot-et-Garonne, France. The infections were caused by a single bacterial strain identified through genomic analysis by Santé publique France and the Institut Pasteur's National Reference Center for Salmonella. Cases were isolated between May 3 and August 12, 2026, distributed across multiple French regions.
Six hospitalized and two emergency consultations from Salmonella infection
Among the 81 infected individuals, 6 were hospitalized and 2 consulted emergency services due to their Salmonella infection. All patients experienced favorable symptom progression and were discharged to their homes.
Source of contamination traced to processor in Lot-et-Garonne
Investigation by Santé publique France identified that the contamination originated from a pumpkin seed processor located in Lot-et-Garonne. An inspection by the departmental food safety authority (DDPP) of Lot-et-Garonne was conducted at the facility, but the exact source of contamination was not definitively identified. The processor implemented a product withdrawal and recall without waiting for investigation completion based on epidemiological and analytical evidence.
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