Salmonella outbreak linked to pumpkin seeds infects 81 people in France

France’s ministries of health and agriculture announced on Friday that a salmonella outbreak linked to a shipment of pumpkin seeds has infected 81 people, with six hospitalized, across several regions of the country between May and August.

In a joint statement, the two ministries said that an investigation by public health authorities pointed to pumpkin seeds handled by a food company in southwestern France and sold by various retail stores, including the Grand Frais chain.

Six of the infected were hospitalized, and two received emergency care. All were discharged after their symptoms subsided, and the products have been withdrawn from the market.

Salmonella is a group of rod-shaped bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, a common foodborne illness. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.