Salmonella Havana

Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Havana (antigenic formula : 1,13,23: f,g,[s]) is a serovar of the O:13 (G) serogroup. Serovar Havana has been isolated from human clinical isolates, animal feces, sesame products, ground meat, and water sources such as rivers, canals, and ponds.

NCBI PD link for serovar Havana: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pathogens/isolates/#(taxgroup_name:%22Salmonella%20enterica%22)%20AND%20computed_types:(%22serotype=Havana%22)

Genetic characteristics:

Animal reservoir: Serovar Havana has been found in turtles, cattle, chickens, and swine.

Geographical distribution: Serovar Havana has been reported worldwide but mainly in Europe and the US.

Human outbreaks: There are multiple human outbreaks associated with serovar Havana. Here are some examples:

Year	Location	Associated Source	Number of Cases
2019	Canada	Tahini and halva from Syria	2
2018	Australia	Alfalfa sprouts	31
1998	US: CA & AZ	Alfalfa sprouts	18
1987	US: GA	Chicken	73

Border rejections: Multiple border rejections linked to serovar Havana have been reported. Here are some examples:

Year	Exporting country	Importing country	Associated source	Product category
2021	Italy	Switzerland	Soybean meal¹	Feed materials
2021	Germany	Austria	Linseed meal extracted with soapstock	Feed materials
2020	Poland	Czech Republic	Chilled chicken legs	Poultry meat and poultry meat products

¹ Heat treatment was further implemented.

Recalls: Multiple recalls linked to serovar Havana have been reported. Here are some examples:

Year	Location	Recalled food	Type
2025	Norway	Alfalfa seeds from Italy	Nuts, nut products and seeds
2024	Germany	Helva with pistachios from Türkiye	Nuts, nut products and seeds
2023	Italy	Farina di pesce from Estonia	Feed materials
2021	US	Hummus	Prepared dishes and snacks

Relevant links:

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Salmonella Havana