Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Coeln (antigenic formula 1,4,[5],12:y:1,2) is a serovar of the O:4 (B) serogroup. This serovar is considered rare and is scarcely associated with human cases; only 32 human salmonellosis cases have been associated with this serovar during the last 10 years in the US. However, in Europe three outbreaks have been associated with S. Coeln, including outbreaks in France, Norway, and Sweden.

Animal reservoir: S. Coeln has been isolated in high frequency (21.8%) in wild boars in Italy. In addition, it has been isolated from water of coastal rivers in the western Mediterranean cost.

Geographical distribution: S. Coeln has only been described in Europe.

Outbreaks: 

Year

Location

Associated source

Number of cases

2021SwedenFresh Sprouts52
2017NorwayTBD18

2013

Norway

Baby Leaf Mix

25 (Dec 17, 2013)

1998

France

Minced beef

26

Border Rejections:

Year

Exporting country

Importing country

Associated source

Product category

2021BrazilGermanyBlack pepper1Herbs and spices
2021BrazilGermanyBlack pepper2Herbs and spices
2020UkraineLatviaWhite hen shell eggsEggs and egg products

1 Salmonella Poona, Minnesota, Coeln were found. 

2 Salmonella Infantis, Coeln, Bonariensis, Newport, Matadi, Morehead were found. 

Recalls:

YearLocationRecalled foodType
2024LithuaniaFrozen fillets of broiler chickens from UkrainePoultry meat and poultry meat products
2022LatviaChicken thighs from Poland1Poultry meat and poultry meat products

1 Serovar Coeln were found in 1 out of 5 samples. Official control measures were implemented in the market was issued but no stock remained. 

Relevant links:

  1. https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/469459
  2. https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/465236
  3. https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/455145
  4. https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/721008
  5. https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/567419
  6. http://www.actavetscand.com/content/55/1/42
  7. http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=223
  8. http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/12/rare-salmonella-strain-sickens-18-in-norway/#.WcudkPmGOUk
  9. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2021/11/sweden-solves-salmonella-outbreak-sprouts-identified-as-likely-source/#:~:text=Sweden%20solves%20Salmonella%20outbreak%3B%20sprouts%20identified%20as%20likely%20source,-By%20News%20Desk&text=An%20outbreak%20of%20a%20rare,been%20caused%20by%20fresh%20sprouts.