A person has died and hundreds of people have been affected by a food poisoning outbreak, health officials have said.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the salmonella outbreak “may be linked to eggs imported from outside of the UK”. There has been one death associated with the outbreak, UKHSA said.
Investigation findings
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said that there is “no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected”. It said that investigations had identified links to imported eggs “mainly used by food service and catering establishments such as restaurants or cafes, as a potential source”.
Salmonella generally causes a self-limiting gastroenteritis, with symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting or fever. More than a third of people affected (38%) in the outbreak were admitted to hospital, with two people developing potentially life-threatening blood stream infections.
Case numbers and regions
UKHSA said between August 11 last year and August 1 this year, 207 cases have been confirmed – 199 in England, six in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. The regions in England with the highest number of cases are London, where 47 cases were confirmed, and Yorkshire and Humber (38). People affected include babies and people as old as 90, according to the UKHSA.
Official statements
Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist for gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said: “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.
“Salmonellosis is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food and can be spread rarely from person-to-person.
“Salmonella generally causes a mild illness, although vulnerable groups with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness.
“Symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance.
“There are simple steps to prevent the spread of salmonella: wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing and handling food, cook food thoroughly, and if you have any symptoms, avoid handling food for others where possible.”
Jacquelyn McCormick, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said: “We are working closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other partners to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis.
“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.
“While investigations continue, our advice around eating eggs remains the same. Eggs which are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically should not present a food safety risk.
“Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults should only eat runny or raw eggs if they have a British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme.
“This advice does not apply to those who are severely immunocompromised and require medically supervised diets.
“We continue to advise people who are handling eggs, eggshells or egg packaging to always wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap and dry them properly afterwards.”
