UK Salmonella Cases Nearing 500 as Egg Investigations Continue
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UK salmonella cases nearing 500 as egg investigations continue
Image source: Getty Images
By Michelle Roberts, Digital Health Editor
Published 2 hours ago
Close to 500 people have become ill with salmonella linked to imported eggs, say UK authorities, who have identified two new clusters of the infection.
UK Health Security Agency reported 207 cases last week, which has been increased to 259, with the two new clusters bringing the total to 474. There have been two deaths recorded.
Some of the cases date back a year, but all involve bacteria that are almost genetically identical, suggesting a common food source.
Investigations are ongoing, but experts say people have fallen sick after eating out rather than cooking eggs at home.
Cases of salmonella are also being seen in other European countries – Austria (2), Belgium (15), Denmark (1), France (4), Germany (6), the Netherlands (106). Investigations in the Netherlands suggest a link with chicken meat, not eggs.
Salmonella can be found in several food sources, including raw or under-cooked poultry or meat and eggs.
More than a third of those ill in the UK – some babies and others as old as 92 – have needed hospital care. Most people get better without treatment.
While salmonella cases can occur at any time, this outbreak involves specific genetic clusters: t5.9411, t0.24068, and t5.9765.
Most have been recorded in recent weeks and months, but investigations go back to cases as far as August 2025.
The majority of cases have been in England, particularly London and Yorkshire and Humber. There have also been small numbers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
How to stay safe:
- Prepare and cook food thoroughly.
- Wash hands after using the bathroom and before handling food.
It is safe to buy and eat eggs that bear the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme. These suppliers must adhere to a strict code regarding testing and vaccinating hens against salmonella.
Prof Ian Young, Food Standards Agency:
- "We continue to work closely… to investigate. The exact causes of these outbreaks have not yet been identified, but investigations so far have identified links to imported eggs."
UK Health Security Agency:
- "We will continue to follow up cases and investigate any further common sources if they come to light."
Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting or fever. These usually develop 12-72 hours after becoming infected. Anyone concerned should contact their GP or out-of-hours service.
