Experts are calling on health chiefs to disclose the source of imported eggs linked to a deadly salmonella outbreak in the UK, which has affected more than 200 people and been associated with one death.
Officials have confirmed that imported eggs are being investigated as a potential source of the outbreak. However, the country of origin has not been publicly identified, prompting demands for greater transparency.
Calls for Transparency on Egg Origin
Paul Wigley, professor in animal microbial ecosystems at the University of Bristol, told the Daily Mail: "The source of the contaminated eggs should be public information. If necessary, restrictions should be imposed on importations."
So far, 199 cases have been confirmed in England, alongside six in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. More than a third of those affected required hospital treatment, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), while two people developed potentially life-threatening bloodstream infections and one person died.
Outbreak Strain and Previous Warnings
The strain behind the outbreak has been identified as Salmonella Enteritidis, which is commonly associated with poultry and eggs. Officials have identified five unnamed food businesses visited by two or more people who later became ill. Those affected are understood to have eaten at cafes and restaurants.
Concerns over imported eggs had already been raised before the outbreak. Earlier this year, the British Egg Industry Council warned of "significant" potential risks associated with increasing egg imports. Its Shell Shocked report said UK imports had increased by 600 million eggs since 2021, with growth largely driven by supplies from Ukraine and Poland. However, neither country has been identified as the source of the current UK outbreak.
Industry and Agency Responses
Nick Allen, chief executive of the BEIC, said: "It is deeply concerning that imported eggs are once again under scrutiny in connection with a serious Salmonella outbreak. We have repeatedly raised concerns about the risks associated with imported eggs and egg products with Government, most recently through our Shell Shocked report."
Kevin Coles, of the British Egg Information Service, also argued consumers should be told where eggs have originated. He said: "We have been urging the Government to protect British consumers by banning imported eggs for a while. But in the meantime, you can check if your eggs are British by looking for the British Lion mark."
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) stressed that investigators have not yet established the exact cause of the outbreak. Jacquelyn McCormick, Head of Incidents at the FSA, said: "The exact cause has not yet been identified, however investigations so far have identified links to eggs imported from outside the UK, mainly used by food service and catering establishments such as restaurants or cafes, as a potential source. There is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected." She added that properly cooked and hygienically handled eggs should not present a food safety risk.
A separate salmonella outbreak linked to eggs is currently being investigated in Belgium, where around 300 people are reported to have fallen ill. Eggs involved there were reportedly distributed to several European countries, including Poland, although the UK has not been listed among them.
