Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Mbandaka (antigenic formula 6,7,14:z10:e,n,z15) is a serovar of the O:7(C1) serogroup. This serovar has been frequently isolated from poultry production environments. Salmonella ser. Mbandaka can be classified into two major groups. However, clustering of these groups and their subgroups were not associated with any patterns based on the host or geographical origin. A study found that all isolates contained a uniform virulence gene repertoire. This serovar is multi-drug resistant.
Animal reservoir: Serovar Mbandaka was primarily found in poultry. It has been reported from other animals (pigs, cattle, fish, wild birds, and canine).
Geographical distribution: Serovar Mbandaka has been found around world.
Human outbreaks: Numerous outbreaks in different countries have been linked to serovar Mbandaka, imported spices have been associated with several of these outbreaks. Below are some examples.
Year | Location | Associated source | Number of cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | US-multistate | Backyard poultry | 409a |
| 2018 | US-multistate | Honey Smack Cereal | 135 |
| 2017 | US-multistate | Tahini | 8 |
| 2013 | US-multistate | Tahini | 16 |
| 2013 | US-multistate | Live Poultry | 61 |
a Multiple serovars, including Salmonella Altona, Cerro, Enteritidis, Indiana, Infantis, Johannesburg, Mbandaka, and Typhimurium, were linked to this outbreak. The case number represents the total number of cases associated with the outbreak and does not specifically indicate the number of people infected by Salmonella Mbandaka.
Border rejections: Multiple border rejections linked to serovar Mbandaka have been reported. Below are some examples.
Year | Exporting country | Importing country | Associated source | Product category |
| 2024 | Belarus | Poland | Rapeseed extraction meal | Feed materials |
| 2024 | China | Italy | Chili pepper (Capsicum annum) | Herbs and spices |
| 2023 | Hungary | Germany | Onion powder1 | Other food product / mixed |
| 2021 | Chile | Sweden | Dried oregano | Herbs and spices |
1 Salmonella Agona, Idikan, Richmond, Falkensee, Molade, Mbandaka and Senftenberg were found.
Recalls: Multiple recalls linked to serovar Mbandaka have been reported. Below are some examples.
| Year | Location | Recalled food | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Finland | Beef sirloin steak from Germany | Meat and meat products (other than poultry) |
| 2024 | Germany | Tahini sesame paste from Egypt, via France | Nuts, nut products and seeds |
| 2023 | Germany | Helva with vanilla flavor from Turkey | Confectionery |
| 2023 | Germany | Tahini from Turkey, with raw material from Nigeria | Nuts, nut products and seeds |
| 2022 | Germany | Sesame paste from Syria | Cereals and bakery products |
| 2018 | US: multistate | Honey smacks cereal1 | Cereals and bakery products |
1 This recall was resulted by a multistate outbreak described above. Kellogg company voluntarily recalled their 15.3 oz. and 23 oz. packages of honey smacks cereal.
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