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Created by
user-9b773, last updated by Brad Yang on Jun 12, 2025
2 minute read
Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Virchow (antigenic formula 6,7,14:r:1,2 ) is a serovar of the O:7 (C1) serogroup. S. Virchow is a serovar adapted to poultry, but also isolated from foodborne outbreaks not directly traced back to chicken products. A 2010 report from Switzerland reported that S. Virchow was one of the 5 most common Salmonella serovars in Europe, with reports of 3rd-generation cephalosporin- and fluoroquinolone-resistance. Most often, S. Virchow infection causes gastrointestinal illness, but a 1984 report from Essex, England identified septicemic patients who suffered from neurological symptoms. The clone corresponding to the 2017 multi-country outbreak has been circulating in the EU poultry meat production chain at least in France, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
NCBI PD link for serovar Virchow:
Genetic characteristics:
Animal reservoir: Serovar Virchow is associated with poultry, but dog-to-human transmission has been reported.
Geographical distribution: Serovar Virchow has been reported in North America, Japan and Europe.
Human outbreaks:
| Year | Location | Associated source | Number of cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-2023 | Multiple countries | Kebab meat containing chicken | 2101 |
| 2016 | US: multistate | Organic meal & shake powder | 33 |
| 2012 | US: WA | Undetermined | At least 1202 |
| 1994 | Spain | Infant formula | 48 |
| 1994 | UK | Turkey sandwiches | 113 |
| 1968 | UK | Spit-roasted chicken | Over 160 |
1 Salmonella Virchow ST16 is the outbreak strain. In total, 210 cases have been reported across several countries, including Denmark (2), France (111), Germany (26), Ireland (4), the Netherlands (34), the UK (32), and the US (1).
2 Among these cases, 43 were laboratory-confirmed, while 77 others showed symptoms and had a matching exposure history at the restaurant.
3 These cases were confirmed to get infected by Salmonella Virchow, phage type 26.
Border rejections:
Year | Exporting country | Importing country | Associated source | Product category |
| 2021 | India | Germany | Dog chews (dried tripes) | Pet food |
| 2020 | Poland | Italy | Frozen marinated chicken fillets1 | Poultry meat and poultry meat products |
1 Salmonella Enteritidis, Newport, and Virchow were found.
Recalls: Recalls have been associated with S. Virchow.
| Year | Location | Recalled Product | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Europe: multi-country1 | Frozen lime leaves2 | Fruits and vegetables |
| 2016 | US: multistate | Meal replacement3 | Other food product / mixed |
1 Ireland, Croatia, and Hungary issued recalls.
2 Frozen lime leaves were from Thailand via Netherlands.
3 This recall was caused by a multistate outbreak described above. Garden of Life, LLC extended its recall of RAW Meal Organic Shake & Meal chocolate, original, vanilla, and vanilla chai products on February 12, 2016, adding more lots to the list.
Relevant links:
- https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/salmonella-virchow-st16-chicken-meat
- https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/salmonella/virchow-02-16/index.html
- https://www.marlerblog.com/legal-cases/largest-salmonella-outbreak-in-washington-2012-on-the-border/
- https://www.makefoodsafe.com/infant-formula-and-salmonella/
- https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(99)90712-0/abstract
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5750404/
- https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/465794
- https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/438516
- https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/640654
- https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2016/03/outbreak-grows-garden-of-life-renames-recalled-protein-powder/#.Vx5kyUY5X4Y