Testing by scientists has found Salmonella in imported chicken meat in Switzerland.

Researchers investigated Salmonella prevalence in 200 chicken samples from Swiss retail stores. Six imported samples tested positive and the isolates were all Salmonella Infantis.

Between May and July 2024, chicken meat samples were randomly collected from nine stores in Switzerland. This included chilled and frozen samples of chicken breast, chicken legs, chicken wings, drumsticks, fillets, sliced meat, chicken thighs,and whole chickens.

Of the 200 samples, 145 were domestically produced meats and 55 products were imported. Countries of origin included Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and the Netherlands.

According to a study published in the Journal of Food Protection, three positive samples came from Hungary, two from Slovenia, and one from Austria. All but one were chilled products without skin. The other was frozen chicken legs with skin from Slovenia. Three chicken breast samples were positive and two sliced meats.

Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between Salmonella prevalence and imported, unlabeled products. This suggests that imported, but also unlabeled products pose a higher risk for Salmonella contamination, said scientists.

Multi-drug resistance concerns
In the 2023 zoonosis report, Salmonella Infantis was not detected in any of the 595 broiler flocks tested in Switzerland. Also, it was not reported in breeding flocks, and laying hens only tested positive for Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis.

“These data imply that Salmonella Infantis is not prevalent in Swiss poultry production, further supporting the assumption that its presence in this study is mainly linked to imported products,” said scientists.

All six isolates were multidrug-resistant. They showed intermediate resistance to ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin is considered a first-line antibiotic to treat salmonellosis.

Researchers said the finding of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Infantis in the samples highlights the challenges in controlling Salmonella in global poultry production.

“Strengthening hygiene practices, enhancing a risk-based monitoring of imported products for Switzerland, and raising consumer awareness are essential to reduce these risks. To prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant strains, comprehensive measures are needed across the entire poultry production system, from farm to table,” they said.