A new study has revealed that a high number of Campylobacter infections and more cases of Salmonella infection linked to produce have been identified in Sweden during a 10-year period. The report compiles reported foodborne illness from 2008 to 2018. There were more than 4,000 events of suspected or confirmed disease, with 30,964 illnesses.
During the period, 194 of the country’s 290 municipalities reported results from investigated incidents of foodborne illness to Swedish Food Agency Livsmedelsverket. The number of reporting municipalities per year has increased since the previous summary covering 2003 to 2007.
Foodsafetynews.com claims that in 80 percent of reports, the disease-causing agent was unknown. Bacteria or toxins were identified in 13 percent of the reports, while viruses were implicated in 7 percent of them. Only a few concerned parasites, marine biotoxins or mycotoxins. Results will be used as a basis for risk assessment and to form priorities to reduce foodborne illness in the country.