Salmonella testing

Controlling Salmonella is essential to ensure food safety and requires reliable analytical methods. Our Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratories offer a wide range of solutions, from trace detection to quantification, to guarantee regulatory compliance and protect consumers from numerous foodborne illnesses.

Key services

  • Standardised method ISO 6579-1: “Pre-enrichment and selective enrichment in liquid medium”
  • Chromogenic methods (IRIS, Rapid’Salmonella, Neogen, etc.)
  • Immunological methods (VIDAS, BACSpec, Solus, etc.): Enable automated testing and eliminate operator reading
  • PCR method (BACGene): Provides very rapid detection results. Particularly suitable when a rapid absence result is needed, for example to release a production batch.

A common cause of foodborne outbreaks

The Salmonella bacterium can cause an infection called salmonellosis. It is a zoonosis, meaning it can be transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans. Usually, salmonellosis initially manifests as gastroenteritis, but the Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi strains cause enteric fevers. In infants and immunocompromised individuals, salmonellosis can become very severe or even fatal.

Egg products, dairy, and undercooked meats most affected

Salmonella is commonly found in the intestines of healthy animals, especially birds and mammals. Contamination risks are higher in the following products:

  • Raw or undercooked eggs and egg-based products
  • Dairy products (especially raw or lightly pasteurised milk)
  • Undercooked meats (beef, pork, poultry)
  • Any improperly stored foods that can also harbour the bacteria

Animal feed: a real contamination risk

Animal feed also carries risk. In 2020, 102 cases of Salmonella contamination in animal feed were reported in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). Contaminated pet food (e.g. dog treats) can pose a danger to animals and humans, especially children, through cross-contamination.

Legal framework and guidelines*

Salmonella is subject to strict regulatory oversight to ensure food safety in both the EU and UK. Key legislation includes

Food safety and hygiene criteria

  • EU: Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 (microbiological criteria for foodstuffs)
  • UK: Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 regulation has been retained post-Brexit as "assimilated Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005" and continues to apply with equivalent legal force

Animal feed and by-products

Import controls on high-risk food and feed

  • EU: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 (temporary increase of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry into the Union of certain goods from certain third countries)
  • UK: Post-Brexit, the UK has adopted its own version of Regulation (EU) No 2019/1793 to manage the import of high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin. The UK's adaptation includes specific controls and checks for Salmonella on certain imported products

* Regulatory information is provided for general guidance only and may not reflect the most recent regulatory changes. Always consult official sources for up‑to‑date legislation. For market‑specific support, please contact your local Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratory. Our specialists offer tailored support through horizon scanning and food safety consultancy services.

Get in touch

For small batches, order our most routine testing from Eurofins Testing Direct.

Would you like to find out more about our testing solutions, access our competence centre services, or do you need tailored analytical or consultancy support?

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