Measures Against Salmonella Following Consultation with the Poultry Sector

Following concerning figures showing an increased occurrence of Salmonella Enteritidis in the Dutch poultry sector since May 2023, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), Femke Wiersma, has requested the sector to take additional measures. To counter this rise from less than two percent to about four percent, the Dutch poultry sector has implemented measures ahead of any mandatory regulations.

Increase in Cases

Salmonella Enteritidis is a bacterium that primarily causes illness through contact with or consumption of contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked eggs. People infected with this bacterium mainly experience intestinal complaints, but infection can also lead to more severe symptoms such as fever. Since May 2023, there has been an increase in both laying hens and people infected with this bacterium. This poses a risk to public health and food safety, necessitating additional measures.

Sector Takes Responsibility

During a recent administrative consultation with the poultry sectors trade organization, the organization committed to the minister to take additional measures. The poultry sector formalized this in an implementation decision effective since October 20, 2025. The majority of laying poultry farmers in the Netherlands are affected by this implementation decision. A key element of this decision is more frequent testing for salmonella, enabling early detection of infections. Additionally, since October 23, 2025, a separate cleaning and disinfection protocol has been in effect for the transport of eggs from infected laying poultry farms. This aims to reduce infections.

Monitoring and Adjustment

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) support the poultry sectors efforts to reduce the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis in laying hens, as well as the additional monitoring measures to reduce the number of human cases.

The ministries closely monitor developments and maintain contact with the sector. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is conducting a cluster analysis to identify the causes of the increase and is conducting surveillance on the number of human cases. This monitors the effect of the measures on public health.

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has also been asked to prepare a risk assessment including a supervision overview for the laying hen sector. The House of Representatives was informed on September 22, 2025, and will be updated again in early 2026 on the status, the steps the sector is taking, and whether any mandatory measures need to be imposed.