One dead and hundreds ill amid UK salmonella outbreak linked to eggs
British residents are being warned of an uptick in Salmonella infections linked to imported eggs that may have been served to restaurant customers.
A health security watchdog has announced that it is investigating a serious Salmonella outbreak after 2027 cases of the illness were confirmed between 1 and 11 August.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that 199 of these were in England, with the highest number of cases occurring in London (47) and Yorkshire and Humber (38).
Six Salmonella cases have been further reported in Scotland, with a single case in Wales and another in Northern Ireland.
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Cases range in age from 0 years to 90 years. Two people have been taken to hospital and treated for a bloodstream infection; one death has been confirmed.
It’s understood that those exhibiting Salmonella symptoms have been interviewed, with 95 reporting that they consumed food outside of the home.
11 reported eating dishes made with eggs in cafés and local restaurants.
Five food businesses have been identified as possible outbreak hubs, with 24 cases linked in total. Health officials have opted not to publicly name the companies.
The UKHSA continues to lead an investigation into the outbreak with help from public health and food safety agencies in the UK and Devolved Administrations, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
A probe has already ruled out UK-produced eggs or poultry as the source. Evidence allegedly points to eggs imported from outside Britain, The Guardian confirmed.
“Food chain investigations to date have identified that these premises are supplied by eggs from multiple sources, including egg importers,” a statement read.
“Local investigations have also identified possible cross-contamination risk events within two of these settings. At this time there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.”
Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Safi Rehman, a research associate at King’s College London said that this Salmonella outbreak is not an isolated incident.
“This isn’t an isolated incident. This outbreak is closely related to one from 2025 that was also linked to imported eggs, with the identified strain genetically similar between the two years,” he said.
Salmonella symptoms to watch out for
Salmonella Enteritidis, the most common form of the 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 the 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.
Ella Scott