Four deaths among 27 listeria cases linked to Danish salmon firm

Danish authorities link 27 listeria cases to Polar Salmon Hjerting Laks

Danish public health authorities have linked 27 cases of invasive listeria illness to products from Polar Salmon Hjerting Laks, based in Esbjerg, according to reporting by DR.

The Statens Serum Institut (SSI) confirmed that between 2018 and 2024, 27 people were infected with the same strain of listeria found in products from the company. All patients were hospitalised, and four died within 30 days of being diagnosed.

“Buying my brother out, who had been my partner for 25 years was a huge challenge. I risked putting everything on the line.”

SSI used whole-genome sequencing to match samples from patients and the company’s products.

The company was reported to the police in January by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. In a written statement to JydskeVestkysten, Henrik Leth, CEO of parent company Polar Seafood Danmark, said the findings were “shocking” and “terrible,” and added that the company would investigate thoroughly.

Leth was not in charge for the full duration of the period under review.

The investigation is ongoing.