Risk assessment of Salmonella in chicken from farm to fork in Hanoi, Vietnam

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Salmonella, the primary cause of salmonellosis, is one of the most common foodborne pathogens worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Salmonella infections are responsible for 600 million cases of illness and 300 million deaths annually. In Vietnam, Salmonella has been identified as the most common agent causing food poisoning in recent years. This bacterium has been found in numerous major outbreaks across provinces, including Bac Ninh, Vinh Phuc, Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, and Ho Chi Minh City. Among these, chicken meat is considered a prevalent source of foodborne illness due to its high Salmonella contamination rate. Therefore, conducting Salmonella risk assessments plays a crucial role in predicting the bacterial load in chicken meat and estimating the annual number of illnesses related to chicken consumption.

Salmonella bacteria (Source: Collected)

Salmonella poisoning (Source: Collected)

From 2024 to 2025, with support from the Safe Food for Growth (SAFEGRO) Project, the Food Safety Risk Assessment Center under the National Institute for Food Control is conducting the study titled “Risk Assessment of Salmonella Contamination in Chicken from Farm to Fork in Hanoi, Vietnam.”

This research aims to determine the prevalence of Salmonella at different stages of the food supply chain, from production and processing to final consumption. Chicken meat samples will be collected from various sources, including poultry farms, slaughterhouses, traditional markets, supermarkets, and restaurants.

Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) (Source: Collected)

By applying the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) model, the study will simulate the relationship between the bacterial dose consumed and the risk of illness to consumers. The results are expected to provide essential scientific data to assist regulatory authorities in developing policies and effective control measures to minimize Salmonella contamination in chicken in Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general.

Vietnam Journal of Food Control

Currently, the study has entered the detailed planning phase to prepare for sampling and result analysis. By the end of this year, the research team is expected to complete the risk assessment and submit it to the relevant regulatory agencies for review, while also publishing the research results in international peer-reviewed journals within the relevant fields.