Ensure food safety and regulatory compliance with Eurofins' accredited Salmonella testing services. Rapid and reliable detection methods for UK food business operators (FBOs).
Management of Salmonella as a pathogen risk
Salmonella is a bacterium capable of causing an illness known as salmonellosis. It is a zoonosis, meaning it can be transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans. Salmonellosis is the second most widespread zoonotic disease in the UK and European Union (EU), after campylobacteriosis.
A common cause of foodborne disease outbreaks
At European level (including the UK), more than 90,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported annually. Salmonella is the most frequently reported foodborne pathogen within the European Union. According to the European Commission's (EC) 2020 Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) report, there were 537 notifications concerning Salmonella, a 45% increase from the previous year. Salmonellosis typically causes gastroenteritis but can be severe or fatal in vulnerable populations.
Egg products, dairy, and undercooked meats particularly affected
Salmonella is commonly present in the intestines of healthy birds and mammals. Contamination risks are highest in products such as
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Raw or undercooked eggs and egg-based products
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Dairy products (especially raw or lightly pasteurised milk)
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Undercooked meats (beef, pork, poultry)
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Improperly stored foodstuffs can also harbour the bacterium
Feed; a real risk of contamination
Animal feed is also at risk. In 2020, 102 Salmonella contamination cases in feed were reported in the RASFF system. Contaminated pet food can endanger pets and humans, especially children, via cross-contamination from products like dog chews.
Regulatory framework*
Salmonella is subject to strict regulatory oversight to ensure food safety in both the EU and UK. Key legislation includes*
Food safety and hygiene criteria
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EU: Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 sets microbiological criteria for Salmonella in various food products
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UK: This regulation has been retained post-Brexit as "assimilated Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005" and continues to apply with equivalent legal force
Animal feed and by-products
Import controls on high-risk food and feed
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EU: Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 lists non-animal origin imports subject to reinforced checks due to contamination risks such as Salmonella
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UK: Post-Brexit, the UK has adopted its own version of this regulation to manage the import of high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin. The UK's adaptation includes specific controls and checks for Salmonella on certain imported products
*Regulations are subject to change. Please consult the Food Standards Agency or relevant local authorities for the most up-to-date information. Eurofins food consultancy experts are also available to provide tailored support and horizon scanning.
Reliable and rapid testing solutions to control the risk
Detection of Salmonella involves the use of standardised reference methods or validated alternative methods. Eurofins offers several validated methods to detect Salmonella in a variety of food and feed matrices, and environmental swabs
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Cultural Methods (ISO 6579-1): 3–7 days**. Sometimes required for export purposes or for weakly contaminated matrices. It is appreciated for its sensitivity and specificity. In case of suspicion, confirmation is necessary
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Chromogenic Methods: Certified, cost-effective methods with 48–72 hour**. Known for their sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for large and regular sample volumes
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Immunological Methods: Automated testing within 48–51 hours**. Manual confirmation requiring bacterial culture needed
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PCR Methods: Rapid detection (18–28 hours**). Ideal for product release. Confirmation still requires 48–72 hours
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Confirmed cases can undergo serotyping (ISO 6579-3) or whole genome sequencing (NGS-WGS) to characterise the strain and trace contamination
**Note: We are continuously developing new methodologies to meet evolving needs. For details on accreditation status and turnaround times for specialist microbiological testing, please contact your local Eurofins Food Testing UK laboratory as some services are delivered locally, while others may be delivered through our network of Eurofins Laboratories and Competence Centres.
Contact us for Salmonella testing services
For expert testing and consultancy support with your Salmonella testing food safety needs, Contact us or call +44 (0) 845 604 6740.
