Foodborne diseases in Europe: What’s really making you sick?

What’s really making you sick?

Highlights from the European Union One Health 2024 Zoonoses Report

What are foodborne diseases?

Many people in Europe fall ill from foodborne diseases each year. Severity differs between diseases, and many can be prevented. 

  • They happen when harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi enter the food chain.
  • They can come from food of animal origin, fruits, vegetables, or water.
  • Some are caused by germs that initially affect animals and then enter the food chain, known as zoonoses.

The most reported foodborne diseases in Europe (2024)

cases per 100,000 people

  • 55.3 - Campylobacteriosis (caused by Campylobacter bacteria)
  • 18.6 - Salmonellosis (caused by Salmonella bacteria)
  • 3.5 - STEC infection (caused by harmful Escherichia coli bacteria)
  • 0.7 - Listeriosis (caused byListeria monocytogenes)

Where do they come from?

Contamination can happen at the farm, during production or in your kitchen. 

These are the top 5 foods associated with foodborne outbreaks:

  • Mixed or processed or prepared food
  • Chicken
  • Shellfish
  • Vegetables & juices
  • Eggs and egg products

The main foodborne diseases

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is caused byListeria monocytogenes, it is rare but very serious. It has the highest hospitalisation and death rates of all foodborne diseases. 

  • About 7 in 10 people need hospital care
  • 1 in 12 may die

Spread through:

  • Sausages, paté & deli meats
  • Ready-to-eat fish products
  • Vegetables

Salmonellosis

Salmonella bacteria are the most common cause of multi-country foodborne outbreaks. 

  • Only 14 EU Member States met all targets for reducing Salmonella in poultry. 

Spread through:

  • Eggs & egg products
  • Meat products
  • Vegetables & juices

STEC infection

Harmful E. coli can cause severe gastrointestinal infections, often with bloody diarrhoea. Improved testing in food products has reduced the number of outbreaks since 2023.

  • Number of outbreaks in 2023: 66
  • Number of outbreaks in 2024: 31

Spread through:

  • Undercooked contaminated beef
  • Unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses made from it
  • Contaminated water

Campylobacteriosis

Infection by Campylobacter bacteria is the most commonly reported foodborne disease in Europe. Campylobacteriosis shows clear seasonality, with a peak of cases in the summer months. 

  • Undercooked contaminated poultry meat
  • Unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses made from it
  • Contaminated water

How can you avoid foodborne diseases?

These diseases can cause an upset stomach, fever, nausea and diarrhoea. In severe cases, they may lead to hospitalisation or even death. Older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness.

  • Keep your fridge at 5°C or below
  • Consume foods before the use-by date
  • Cook food thoroughly, especially poultry and other meats
  • Wash hands, knives and surfaces after handling raw foods

Did you know?

  • You can’t see, taste or smell the germs that cause foodborne disease.
  • Cooking and refrigerating your food properly can save lives.

Find out more about this year’s report: 

Infografía

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