Two deaths now linked to UK salmonella outbreak as cases rise

A deadly Salmonella outbreak has claimed the lives of two people as more than 450 cases related to egg and chicken consumption have now been reported across seven countries, according to officials.

Salmonella, a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract, is rife across the United Kingdom, with England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all reporting cases of the foodborne illness.

London and Yorkshire and Humber are major hotspots, while countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, and Germany also see residents exhibiting common symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, fever, and nausea.

The number of reported cases across Europe is now 474, with 100 linked to chicken meat in the Netherlands.

“The investigation done in the Netherlands in 2026 pointed towards chicken meat, although it is based on a small number of patient interviews,” the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said in a statement.

Two people have died following a Salmonella outbreak (Getty Stock Image)

After two new clusters were discovered, it was reported that two deaths have been linked to the near-identical genetic strains t5.9411 and t5.9765.

In the UK, experts at the the UK Health Security Agency, have confirmed that there is ‘no evidence’ linking UK-produced eggs to the infection.

However, Professor Ian Young from the Food Standards Agency said that his team continues to work closly with the UK Health Security Agency and other partners to investigate the cause of the illness.

“The exact causes of these outbreaks have not yet been identified, but investigations so far have identified links to imported eggs. There is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected,” he added in a statement.

Will Raw, chair of the NFU Poultry Board, has claimed it is ‘hugely concerning’ to discover eggs that have flaunted strict EU food laws have made it into the country.

Non-British eggs have been linked to the illness (Getty Stock Image)

He added: “This undermines the excellent work British egg producers have undertaken over decades, adhering to the highest standards, abiding by rigorous testing and building a world-leading reputation.

“Food produced to standards that would be illegal in the UK is still being allowed into our market. This simply cannot be allowed to continue.’

Salmonella symptoms to watch out for

Salmonella Enteritidis, the most common form of foodborne illness in England, is usually spread by consuming contaminated food, such as eggs, unpasteurised dairy, and fresh produce.

Common symptoms associated with infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever, as per a UKHSA notice.

While most people will suffer and recover quickly from self-limiting gastroenteritis, vulnerable individuals, pregnant people, and children may experience more severe illnesses.

These can include, but are not limited to, bloodstream infections, infection of metastatic sites, sepsis and multiorgan failure, the report stated.

Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: “We’re working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other public health agencies to investigate a Salmonella outbreak that may be linked to eggs imported from outside the UK.

“Salmonellosis is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food and can be spread rarely from person-to-person.

“Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance,” she added.