How does ‘Salmonella’ contaminate everything under the sun? A food safety specialist explains how you can stop its spread

Will salmonellosis turn your eggs sunny-side up into a biohazard? wildpixel/iStock via Getty Images Does it feel like Salmonella is contaminating everything these days? From the food you eat and the pets you love to the surfaces you touch and the recreational areas you enjoy, this deadly bacterium…

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Salmonella's widespread presence

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can be found almost everywhere, including food, pets, surfaces, and recreational areas.

As of August 2026, the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 10 Salmonella outbreaks linked to various sources such as jalapeno peppers, backyard poultry, shell eggs, moringa leaf powder, and reptiles like turtles and bearded dragons.

Other recent outbreaks have been tied to home-delivery meals, dry dog food, cantaloupe, cucumbers, diced onions, alfalfa sprouts, basil, flour, raw cookie dough, fish, ground beef, charcuterie meat, pistachio cream, and peanut butter.

Outbreaks are identified when two or more people fall ill from consuming the same food.

While the number of outbreaks in 2026 appears high, the CDC reports that the number has remained similar over the past five years.

However, reduced federal oversight of food production and handling, due to cuts to public health agencies under the Trump administration, may increase the risk of serious illness.