Salmonella Eggs Belgium Outbreak: 306 Sick | Update

More than 300 people have fallen ill in Belgium in what food safety authorities describe as the country's largest-ever salmonella eggs Belgium outbreak. The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) confirmed on 25 August 2026 that at least 306 cases are linked to contaminated eggs produced by Laerco BV, a large poultry farm in Geel, Antwerp province. The outbreak has triggered recalls across Belgium and eight other European countries.

What is salmonella and how did the outbreak start?

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that cause food poisoning, with symptoms including fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. In this case, the strain is Salmonella Enteritidis, which matched bacteria found in dust samples from a Laerco chicken coop. The first contamination was detected in May 2026, when one barn was closed and eggs already on store shelves were recalled. Despite those measures, cases kept climbing, and by early August a second barn on the same site tested positive.

The Salmonella Enteritidis contamination in egg production is often difficult to trace because eggs from multiple farms can be mixed during packaging and distribution.

Timeline of the Belgium egg recall

This timeline shows how the Belgian egg recall unfolded:

• May 2026: Salmonella detected in one barn at Laerco BV; affected barn closed and first recall issued.
• Early August 2026: Second barn tests positive, cases rise above 236.
• 10 August 2026: FASFC halts all operations at the Geel farm and orders a second, wider recall.
• 25 August 2026: Confirmed cases reach at least 306, making it the biggest salmonella outbreak ever recorded in Belgium.

Which egg codes are affected?

Consumers in Belgium and eight other European countries are urged to check egg cartons for the producer code 2-BE-1073. The recalled batches include codes 2-BE-1073-01 through 2-BE-1073-04, with best-before dates up to 4 September 2026. Eggs with these codes should be returned to the store for a refund and not eaten.

Where were the eggs sold?

The eggs were distributed to supermarkets across Belgium and exported to the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The European Union's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed has been used to coordinate recalls across those countries.

Symptoms and who is at risk

Salmonella infection typically causes symptoms within 6 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Common signs include:

• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Most healthy adults recover without antibiotics, but young children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. 'Anyone who consumed these eggs and develops symptoms should contact a doctor,' a FASFC spokesperson said.

International impact and the separate UK outbreak

Belgium's outbreak has triggered recalls in at least nine countries. Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency has reported a separate cluster of 207 Salmonella Enteritidis cases, including one death and a 38% hospitalization rate. UK investigators suspect imported eggs, but Laerco BV does not export to the UK, so the British source remains unidentified.

The Belgian case echoes wider concerns about European food safety regulations and the need for stronger surveillance in poultry production.

FAQ: Salmonella eggs Belgium outbreak

What is the current number of salmonella cases in Belgium?

At least 306 people have been confirmed ill as of 25 August 2026, up from 236 in May.

Which egg codes are recalled?

Codes 2-BE-1073-01, 2-BE-1073-02, 2-BE-1073-03 and 2-BE-1073-04, with best-before dates up to 4 September 2026.

What should I do if I have affected eggs?

Do not eat them. Return the carton to the store for a refund.

Can salmonella eggs be identified by appearance?

No. Contaminated eggs usually look, smell and taste normal, so checking the printed code is the only reliable method.

Is the UK outbreak linked to the Belgian farm?

No. Laerco BV does not export to the UK, and the UK source remains under investigation.