The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an increase in salmonella cases linked to imported eggs, with 259 cases and one death recorded as of August 25. The agency said there is no evidence that eggs produced in the UK are affected and that the risk to the public remains low.
Investigation identifies three clusters
Sample dates for the cases range from August last year to August 8, 2026. This is an increase from the 207 cases reported the previous week, with sample dates ranging from August 11, 2025, to August 1, 2026.
Since beginning its investigation of salmonella enteritidis t5.9411 cases, the UKHSA has identified two further clusters – t0.24068 and t5.9765. These are genetically distinct from t5.9411 but are part of a wider family of salmonella enteritidis. Cases across all three clusters have increased since June, and their genetics suggest they may all be linked to imported eggs.
Cluster details and official comments
There have been 38 cases and one death linked to the t5.9765 cluster in England, with sample dates ranging from January 27 to July 29. Meanwhile, 177 cases in England are linked to the t0.24068 cluster, with sample dates ranging from May 27, 2025, to August 5 this year.
Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “It’s important to emphasise that the overall risk to the general public remains low. In England, all salmonella samples from patients presenting to hospitals or primary care undergo whole genome sequencing, which provides a good understanding of the emergence of new outbreaks. Our investigation to date indicates a link to imported eggs, however this investigation remains ongoing. We will continue to follow up cases and investigate any further common sources if they come to light.”
Ms Charles said the UKHSA is working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other public health agencies to investigate the salmonella clusters. Professor Ian Young, chief scientific adviser at the FSA, said: “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.”
Symptoms and prevention advice
Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. These symptoms usually appear between 12 and 72 hours after infection, and illness typically lasts 4 to 7 days. For most people, salmonella causes a bout of gastroenteritis that clears up on its own, health experts say. However, some people are at greater risk of more severe illness, including bloodstream infections, sepsis and, in rare cases, multi-organ failure.
It is advised that babies, young children, pregnant women and older people only eat runny eggs if they carry the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain scheme. People in these groups should ensure all eggs are thoroughly cooked if eating in restaurants and cafes, and should avoid dishes containing mousses, fresh mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce. Good hygiene also remains "your best protection". Store and cook food according to the packet instructions, wash your hands thoroughly before handling food and always after handling raw meat, poultry and eggs.
