The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) of Latvia announced the detection of Salmonella Infantis bacteria in chicken meat products originating from Poland and Ukraine. Laboratory testing revealed the presence of the bacteria in a batch of frozen boneless chicken from Ukraine under the brand "Qualiko," with a specific batch number, prompting the distributor to recall the product. Additionally, Salmonella Infantis was also found in Polish chicken products in a barbecue marinade, but the PVD noted that the product in question was already past its expiration date.

In response to these findings, the PVD has submitted a notification to the European Union's Rapid Alert System, which is a preventive measure to inform other EU member states of potential food safety risks. The PVD operates under the Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia, tasked with overseeing food circulation and veterinary medicine within the country, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about food safety and the risks associated with imported products. The detection of Salmonella in poultry is particularly troubling due to its implications for public health, as such bacteria can lead to foodborne illnesses. Monitoring and regulatory actions, such as product recalls and system notifications, are critical to maintaining food safety standards and protecting consumers in Latvia and beyond.