The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that one person has died and hundreds have fallen ill in a salmonella outbreak that may be linked to eggs imported from outside the UK. Households are being urged to check their eggs for a specific symbol and an eight-digit code to reduce the risk of infection.
Outbreak details
Between August 11 last year and August 1 this year, 207 cases have been verified: 199 in England, six in Scotland, one in Wales, and one in Northern Ireland. More than a third of those affected (38%) required hospital admission, with two individuals developing potentially life-threatening bloodstream infections.
Salmonella typically causes a self-limiting gastroenteritis, with symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever. It poses a particularly serious risk to elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.
How to check your eggs
To verify your egg is safe for consumption, check for the Red Lion symbol alongside the eight-digit code. The code indicates the farming method (0 = organic, 1 = free range, 2 = barn, 3 = cage), followed by the country of origin (e.g., UK), and then the farm code.
The British Lion scheme represents the UK's primary defence against salmonella in eggs. Egg Info explains: "The British Lion is the UK's most successful food safety scheme. Over 90% of UK eggs are now produced under the British Lion scheme and more than 200 billion British Lion eggs have been sold since its launch in 1998."
Official response
Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist for gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, stated: "We're working with Food Standards Agency and other public health agencies to investigate a salmonella outbreak that may be linked to eggs imported from outside of the UK." She added that "Salmonella generally causes a mild illness, although vulnerable groups with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness."
Simple steps to prevent the spread include washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing food, cooking food thoroughly, and avoiding handling food for others if symptomatic. Eggs can still be consumed beyond their 'best before' date, but they won't be as fresh.
