The epidemic of salmonella that broke out last week with contaminated chicken in Spain has intoxicated nearly 2000 people, of whom 41 remain hospitalized.

The epidemic "is in its final stage," said the ministry with respect to the end of the mass intoxication through the salmonella bacteria found in roasted chicken sold by Asada Group under the brand names Pimpollo and Pollo Asado SADA, which have been removed from the market.

The Health Ministry has considered likely the number of reports of intoxicated people increase and said salmonella produces diarrhea and dehydration which in most cases disappear with timely medical attention.

The Asada company has said they have located the origin of the contamination on a pipe at its plant that poured sauce onto the meat before packing.