Coop a national chain in Sweden is recalling their private brand free-range eggs following evidence of contamination with Salmonella although the serotype has not been specified but presumed to be SE.  The recall followed a positive assay on routine sampling of a flock.

In most nations in Europe, recalls are initiated following demonstration of either S. Enteritidis or S. Typhimurium.  Given that eggs in the E.U. are not consistently washed before packing and that there is no mandatory cold chain between packing and point of sale, prevention of egg-borne salmonellosis depends on vaccination and monitoring of flocks.

In the specific case, the Department of Agriculture of Sweden has ordered depopulation of a laying flock comprising 165,000 hens belonging to Axfood located in Smaland.  It is questioned why the flock was depopulated, when eggs could  have been diverted to breaking and pasteurization.  The decision was probably based on the need to decontaminate the farm and to restock after demonstrating freedom from environmental Salmonella contamination.