Salmonella is the second most frequent bacterial pathogen involved in human gastrointestinal outbreaks in the European Union; it can enter the food-production chain from animal or environmental sources or from asymptomatic food operators. European food legislation has established microbiological criteria to ensure consumer protection. Salmonella is listed under both process hygiene criteria and food safety criteria. Each EU member state designates an agency to organize or perform controls and other official activities. This paper describes the official control plans performed by competent authorities in Northern Italy in the three-year period 2019-2021. A total of 4413 food samples were delivered to the IZS Food Safety laboratories for Salmonella detection, of which 36 (0.8%) tested positive. Salmonella was most frequently detected in poultry meat samples (25/36 positive samples) followed by other meat products and pork products. The official controls for the protection of consumer health apply the EU's farm-to-fork approach: the samples were collected during production (food production plants), from products on the market, and from collective catering (restaurants, cafeterias, canteens). This manuscript will provide information about the presence of Salmonella in foodstuffs that can help competent authorities to set control plans based on risk assessments.
Keywords: Salmonella spp.; food safety; official food control.