Key facts
- Nearly 500 people in the UK have fallen ill with salmonella.
- Two deaths have been recorded in connection with the outbreak.
- The outbreak is linked to imported eggs, with no evidence of a connection to UK-produced eggs.
- Investigations suggest the bacteria were consumed in food prepared outside the home.
- Specific genetic clusters of salmonella enteritidis have been identified.
- Cases have been reported across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
UK authorities are investigating a significant rise in salmonella cases, with nearly 500 people falling ill and two deaths attributed to the infection. Investigations by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicate a link to imported eggs, with specific genetic clusters of salmonella enteritidis identified as the likely source. The agency has reported 474 confirmed cases, an increase from previous figures, and has identified two new clusters of the bacteria, bringing the total to three distinct, genetically similar strains.
While some cases date back to August 2025, the majority have occurred in recent weeks and months, primarily in England, with smaller numbers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Experts suggest that individuals may have fallen ill after consuming food in restaurants, cafes, or other catering businesses, rather than from eggs cooked at home. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed there is no evidence that eggs produced within the UK are affected, and the overall risk to the public is considered low.
Similar outbreaks have been observed in other European countries, though investigations in the Netherlands suggest a link to chicken meat rather than eggs in some instances. More than a third of those affected in the UK have required hospital treatment, with symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. The UKHSA is continuing its investigation to trace the food supply chain and understand the exact mechanisms of contamination.