Paris: An outbreak of Salmonella linked to a batch of pumpkin seeds has infected at least 81 people across several regions in France, health officials confirmed on Friday.

According to a joint statement released by the French Health and Agriculture ministries, the public health investigation traces the contamination back to a food processing company situated in south western France. The affected products were distributed to and sold by multiple retail outlets across the country, including the popular Grand Frais supermarket chain.

The outbreak, which spanned from May to August, resulted in six hospitalisations, whilst two additional individuals received urgent emergency medical attention. Authorities confirmed that all affected patients have since returned home after their symptoms eased, and an immediate product recall was enacted to prevent further infections.

Salmonella refers to a group of rod shaped bacteria responsible for salmonellosis, one of the most common foodborne illnesses worldwide. Infection typically leads to gastrointestinal distress, including fever, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps, with symptoms presenting within hours to days of consuming contaminated food products.