The Egyptian Ministry of Health issued a statement following the spread of salmonella infection in European countries, including Britain and Belgium.
Egyptian Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar affirmed the continuous monitoring of health and epidemiological conditions, both locally and internationally, through ongoing surveillance and investigation of foodborne diseases, including salmonella infection, via the epidemiological and event-based surveillance systems, while following up on the latest developments and assessments issued by all relevant international health authorities.
This comes in light of monitoring epidemic events related to Salmonella in a number of countries, and what may be associated with them in terms of shared food sources or international supply chains, which necessitates the continuation of scientific risk assessment and rapid verification of any indicators that may require taking precautionary measures.
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar stressed that the Ministry pays great attention to foodborne diseases, within the framework of the public health protection system, and that monitoring international epidemiological events does not necessarily mean that there is a similar risk within Egypt, but rather aims to enhance proactivity and early warning, and to ensure that no health risks are transmitted to the country.
The Minister of Health and Population pointed out that the assessment of the epidemiological situation within the Republic is based on local data, the results of surveillance, investigation and epidemiological analysis, in addition to reliable international information, which ensures that health decisions are made according to an accurate scientific assessment of risks, and not based on merely monitoring cases or outbreaks in other countries.
For his part, Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health and Population, said that the Preventive Medicine and Public Health sector is continuously monitoring international developments related to salmonella infection, stressing that monitoring outbreaks in a number of countries does not mean that there is a similar outbreak inside Egypt.
In the same context, Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, explained that the outbreak linked to Salmonella Enteritidis infection in Belgium is one of the most prominent international events currently being monitored, and its data was updated on August 25, 2026, with at least 306 cases of infection reported, without any deaths recorded up to the date of the update. The recall of some products related to the event included products that were traded in Belgium and Luxembourg.
He added that the ministry is monitoring the outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infection in the United Kingdom, where the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced, on August 18, 2026, that 207 confirmed cases had been recorded up to August 13, along with one death.
In this context, the Ministry of Health and Population emphasizes the importance of adhering to food safety practices, foremost among which are:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before preparing and eating food and after using the toilet.
Separate raw and cooked foods, and use separate utensils and surfaces when handling them.
Cook food thoroughly and make sure it reaches safe temperatures.
Keep food at the appropriate temperatures, and do not leave perishable foods out of refrigeration for long periods.
Compliance with the rules and requirements for handling and storing food.
Purchase food and food products from reliable sources, and adhere to instructions issued regarding any products that are warned against or recalled.
