Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Hvittingfoss (antigenic formula 16:b:e,n,x) is a serovar of the O:16 (I) serogroup. Found in wild and domesticated reptiles and amphibians, and in food-producing mammals, this is a rare serovar, though it has been linked to human foodborne outbreaks.
Animal reservoir: Serovar Hvittingfoss has been recovered from amphibians (both those raised as pets and for food items) and reptiles.
Geographical distribution: S. Hvittingfoss has been reported in Thailand, Nigeria, Australia, Europe and the United States.
Human outbreaks:
Year | Location | Associated source | Number of cases |
2023-2025 | Norway | 12 | |
2019 | Hong Kong (China) | 6 | |
2016 | Australia: multistate | 97 | |
| 2010 | US: IL | Subway restaurant | 103 |
1 Multiple serovars were involved in this prolonged outbreak. Here, the case number is only associated with infection by the serovar Hvittingfoss.
Border rejections:
Year | Exporting country | Importing country | Associated source | Product category |
| 2020 | India | Greece | Hulled sesame seeds | Nuts, nut products and seeds |
Recalls:
| Year | Location | Recalled food | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Norway | Sprouts seeds1 | Nuts, nut products and seeds |
| 2016 | Australia | Rockmelons2 | Fruits and vegetables |
1 This recall was related to the prolonged cross-border multi-serovar Salmonella outbreak linked to consumption of sprouted seed described above.
2 The Northern Territory based company “Red Dirt” issued a trade level recall. This recall was caused by the outbreak described above.
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