A Salmonella outbreak affecting the UK and six other European countries may have spread to chicken, experts have suggested. The outbreak, first detected in August last year, has led to one death in the UK, while 34 people have been hospitalised across all seven affected countries.
There have been 207 confirmed British cases, with contaminated eggs considered the 'strongest' possible cause, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Research published by the body last week stated: 'At this time there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.'
European investigations point to chicken meat
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and the Netherlands have also reported cases, though the outbreak is hitting the UK and Netherlands hardest. On Friday, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) highlighted UK investigations pointing to imported eggs as 'the suspected source of infection'.
The organisation added: 'The investigation done in the Netherlands in 2026 pointed towards chicken meat, although it is based on a small number of patient interviews.'
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria spread via contaminated food such as eggs, poultry, meat, unpasteurised dairy products and fresh produce. Consumption can result in an infection called salmonellosis, which can be fatal. Typical symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever, but for vulnerable people – such as young children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals – it can lead to more severe illness like bloodstream infection and sepsis.
The particular strain in the current outbreak is S. Enteritidis, the most common type in England. The ECDC assessment reads: 'The multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 remains ongoing, with increasing case numbers since May 2026, particularly in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing and indicate eggs and chicken products as potential sources of infection. More cases are expected until proper control measures are implemented on the source.'
UK cases concentrated in London and Yorkshire
The UKHSA reports that the British outbreak is most prevalent in London, with 47 cases, and Yorkshire and Humber, with 38. Only eight of the 207 total cases were resident outside England, including six in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
Last week, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) called for the government to ensure adequate checks are carried out on all food coming into the country. Will Raw, chair of the NFU Poultry Board, described the news as 'hugely concerning'. He said: 'This undermines the excellent work British egg producers have undertaken over decades, adhering to the highest standards, abiding by rigorous testing and building a world-leading reputation. Food produced to standards that would be illegal in the UK is still being allowed into our market. This simply cannot be allowed to continue.'
