Key role of whole genome sequencing in resolving an international outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium linked to chocolate products

A multi-country salmonellosis outbreak linked to chocolate occurred in the months before Easter 2022. International collaboration between stakeholders from epidemiological, microbiological and food safety entities with rapid sharing of WGS results from human and nonhuman isolates were key in containing the outbreak. Implementation of routine WGS on human and nonhuman isolates will strengthen public health responses to future outbreaks. The magnitude of the outbreak underlines the importance of timely and open communication of FBOs to FSAs in case of salmonella detection.