A recent salmonella outbreak was confirmed at Hankkija's feed factory in Seinäjoki, prompting an immediate halt to production as a safety measure. The company initiated thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols, and a wide-ranging sampling program immediately following the suspicion of contamination. After having confirmed the presence of salmonella, production has since restarted on three out of four production lines, with plans to resume full operations shortly. In response to the contamination, loads of affected feed were removed and disposed of safely.

The affected feed was distributed to fewer than ten farms across Southern Ostrobothnia and other regions of Finland. Authorities have been involved in monitoring the situation, with the Finnish Food Authority continuing to take samples at these farms to ensure the safety of the supply chain. Although most of the contaminated feed has been accounted for and appropriately disposed of, the exact quantity of feed affected remains unspecified at this time. This incident underscores the heightened importance of vigilance in food safety practices in a country where agricultural integrity is paramount.

As the investigation continues and further testing is conducted, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are reminded of the critical nature of immediate reporting and response to any potential food safety issues. The measures taken by Hankkija and regulatory bodies reflect a commitment to maintaining safety and trust within the food supply, but the disruption highlights the potential risks that could arise from such contamination outbreaks.