Meta-analysis reveals high Salmonella prevalence in Chinese eggs compared to international standardsSalmonella in Chinese eggs shows higher rates than US and Europe

International journal of food microbiology Published May 16, 2026 Study authors: Zhang Shenfei, Ma Jiaqi, Chen Tianxi, Han Mengting, Wang Xiaoqi, Li Min, Li Mei, Cao Chenyang, Cui S… PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

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Key Takeaway

Integrated supervision and strict antibiotic regulation are vital to reduce Salmonella contamination and resistance in Chinese eggs.

This comprehensive review highlights a concerning public health issue regarding Salmonella contamination in eggs produced in China. The overall pooled prevalence of the bacteria was found to be 7.20%, a figure that exceeds levels reported in the United States and Europe. These findings underscore the need for rigorous monitoring within the local food supply chain to protect consumer health.

Further analysis indicates that contamination is more frequent on eggshells at 8.30% compared to the contents at 4.50%. Additionally, farm samples demonstrated a prevalence of 9.60%, which is greater than the 5.80% found in retail market samples. This suggests that contamination often occurs early in the production process before eggs reach consumers.

Geographic and genetic factors also play a role. Coastal provinces generally exhibited higher Salmonella rates than inland regions. The study identified S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis as predominant serotypes. High resistance to nalidixic acid was observed, and limited data indicated a notably high prevalence of the mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1.

To ensure food safety, integrated supervision from farm to retail is essential. Improving hygiene practices and strictly regulating antibiotic usage are critical steps. These measures aim to reduce contamination risks and limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes in the food supply.

A meta-analysis reviewed data on Salmonella contamination in eggs sold in China. The study compared these findings with levels reported in the United States and Europe. The researchers found that the overall prevalence of Salmonella in Chinese eggs was 7.20 percent. This rate is higher than the levels seen in the US and Europe.

The contamination rates varied depending on where the sample was taken. Eggshells showed an 8.30 percent contamination rate, which was higher than the 4.50 percent found inside the egg contents. Farm samples had a 9.60 percent rate, which was greater than the 5.80 percent found in retail market samples. Coastal provinces generally had higher prevalence compared to inland provinces.

The review also looked at specific bacteria types and resistance. High resistance rates were found for nalidixic acid. Data on the mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1 showed notably high prevalence, but this was based on limited data. The study suggests that integrated supervision from farm to retail, improved hygiene practices, and strict regulation of antibiotic usage are needed to ensure food safety.

What this means for you:

Salmonella in Chinese eggs is more common than in the US and Europe, with higher rates on shells.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedMay 2026

PMID41806722

View Original Abstract ↓

This study aimed to systematically assess the prevalence, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella in eggs in China. The overall pooled prevalence of Salmonella in Chinese eggs was 7.20%, which is higher than the levels reported in the United States and Europe. Contamination rates were higher on eggshells (8.30%) was than those in egg contents (4.50%), and prevalence was greater in farm samples (9.60%) than that in retail market samples (5.80%), highlighting the importance of hygiene management during production. Spatial analysis revealed significant regional variations, with generally higher prevalence in coastal provinces compared to inland provinces. Serotype analysis identified S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis as the predominant serotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high resistance rates to several antibiotics, including nalidixic acid. Of particular concern is the notably high prevalence of the mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1, based on limited data. These findings highlight the serious nature of Salmonella contamination in the Chinese egg supply chain and its potential risk to public health, emphasizing the necessity to strengthen integrated supervision from farm to retail, improve hygiene practices, and strictly regulate antibiotic usage to ensure food safety.

Meta-analysis reveals high Salmonella prevalence in Chinese eggs compared to international standardsSalmonella in Chinese eggs shows higher rates than US and Europe

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Meta-analysis reveals high Salmonella prevalence in Chinese eggs compared to international standardsSalmonella in Chinese eggs shows higher rates than US and Europe

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