Quantitative risk assessment of Salmonella spp. infection for the consumer of pork products in an Italian region

A survey to estimate the frequency and the level of contamination of the most commonly consumed pork products, with particular reference to fresh sausages, and a risk assessment were carried out in order to evaluate the risk of Salmonella spp. infection to consumers in the Abruzzi region (Italy). Results of the risk assessment show that fresh sausages may be an important source of Salmonella spp. infection in humans in Abruzzi. Model previsions are confirmed by results of a subsequent research on the risk for consumers due to Salmonella spp. in eggs (unpublished data), that suggest an yearly incidence of family outbreaks of diarrhea due to Salmonella spp. between 3% and 8.4% in Abruzzi