UK salmonella cases near 500 as egg investigations continue
UK health authorities report salmonella cases linked to imported eggs rise to 474 with two deaths as investigations continue.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- UK salmonella cases linked to imported eggs near 500 total
- Two deaths recorded with over a third of patients needing hospital care
- Authorities identify two new clusters with genetically identical bacteria
- Experts advise purchasing eggs with British Lion mark or Laid in Britain scheme
Health authorities in the United Kingdom have reported that the number of people falling ill with salmonella linked to imported eggs is approaching 500, following the identification of two new clusters of the infection that bring the total count to 474 alongside two recorded deaths.
The UK Health Security Agency previously reported 207 cases last week before raising that figure to 259, with the latest two clusters pushing the overall total to 474. Although some of the cases date back as far as August 2025, the bacteria involved across the incidents are nearly genetically identical, pointing toward a single common food source.
Ongoing investigations indicate that individuals have contracted the illness after dining out rather than preparing eggs at home. Similar salmonella cases have also emerged in other European nations, including Austria with 2, Belgium with 15, Denmark with 1, France with 4, Germany with 6, and the Netherlands with 106 cases, where Dutch investigations suggest a potential link to chicken meat rather than eggs.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The outbreak involves specific near-identical genetic clusters designated as t5.9411 with 259 confirmed cases and one death, t0.24068 with 177 confirmed cases, and t5.9765 with 38 confirmed cases and one death. Most cases have been identified in England, particularly across London and Yorkshire and Humber, alongside a small number of infections recorded in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
"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."
Professor Ian Young from the Food Standards Agency
More than a third of those affected in the UK have required hospital treatment, with patients ranging from young babies to individuals as old as 92. While most people recover without medical intervention, elderly individuals, infants, and people with compromised immune systems face the highest risk of developing severe illness.
Salmonella infection is a common bacterial disease affecting the intestinal tract, typically contracted through the consumption of raw or undercooked poultry, meat, or eggs. Symptoms generally manifest between 12 and 72 hours after exposure, featuring stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, or fever. Genetic cluster tracking allows health agencies to accurately connect foodborne outbreaks across different regions and trace contamination sources.
Experts recommend buying eggs that carry the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme, as participating suppliers must adhere to strict codes covering testing and vaccinating hens against salmonella. Thoroughly cooking food and maintaining hand hygiene are also highlighted as key preventative measures.
Source: BBC Health
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