Toruń salmonella investigation concludes without definitive source

The Provincial Sanitary-Epidemiological Station in Bydgoszcz has concluded its investigation into a salmonella outbreak that affected 67 people in Toruń, Grębocin, and Łysomice during July 2026. While an exact source of infection was not definitively identified, authorities believe the contamination likely occurred through meals consumed between July 7 and July 10.

Laboratory tests of raw materials, prepared dishes, and sanitary swabs did not detect the bacteria. However, officials noted that a catering company employee was found to be a carrier of salmonella. Łukasz Betański, spokesperson for the station, suggested that animal products, specifically eggs, could be the culprit. He noted that while eggs were washed and disinfected, bacteria could have been present inside the yolk, or thermal processing may have been insufficient in temperature or duration to eliminate the pathogen.

The outbreak primarily affected children and adults, with six children requiring hospitalization. The investigation was noted to be difficult because the primary victims—young children and the elderly—could not always provide complete information regarding their specific food consumption.