Salmonella Detected in Romanian Export of Frozen Chicken Legs(Sep 30)

Salmonella Detected in Romanian Export of Frozen Chicken Legs

Rapid Alert System Notification

On September 28, 2026, Italy issued a warning notification through the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) regarding a consignment of frozen chicken legs exported from Romania. The product was found to contain Salmonella, triggering immediate regulatory action.

The notification details are as follows: the notifying country was Italy; the product in question was frozen chicken legs; the reference number assigned to the case was 2026.8590; the reason for notification was the detection of Salmonella; the sales status and measure taken was "not distributed by notifying country / official detention"; and the notification type was classified as a warning notification.

Regulatory Context

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness worldwide. In the European Union, poultry products are subject to strict microbiological criteria under Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005, which sets specific limits for Salmonella in poultry meat. Any detection of Salmonella in ready-to-placed-on-the-market poultry products triggers immediate action under the RASFF system, including official detention of the consignment and notification to all member states.

Romania, as an EU member state, exports poultry products to other EU countries under the bloc's single market rules. However, each consignment is subject to border control checks, including documentary, identity, and physical checks. When a consignment fails to meet EU food safety standards, the Rapid Alert System ensures that all member states are informed promptly, enabling them to take appropriate measures to protect public health.

The warning notification issued by Italy means that the product was intercepted and placed under official detention before it could enter the market. This ensures that the contaminated product does not reach consumers. The Romanian authorities are expected to investigate the source of contamination and take corrective measures at the processing facility involved.