A salmonella outbreak in the UK has resulted in one death and 207 confirmed cases, with imported eggs being investigated as a possible source. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the cases were recorded between August 11, 2025, and August 1, 2026, with 199 in England, six in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
More than a third of those affected – 38% – were hospitalised, and two people developed potentially life-threatening bloodstream infections, according to UKHSA.
Expert warns of underreported cases
Dr Damien Tully, Associate Professor at the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, told the Science Media Centre: "This is a sizeable outbreak, but the number of confirmed cases is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg. Many Salmonella infections cause relatively short-lived gastrointestinal illness and people may recover without ever being tested, meaning the true number of infections associated with an outbreak can be considerably higher than the number identified through laboratory surveillance."
The outbreak involves the Salmonella Enteritidis strain and has been monitored since May, with genomic sequencing used to establish links between cases.
Investigations into imported eggs
Of the 207 cases, 114 people completed food surveys that identified five different food businesses. UKHSA said investigations found the premises received eggs from multiple sources, including importers, but stressed: "At this time there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry."
Dr Kathleen O'Reilly, Associate Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, also raised concerns over the severity of the outbreak. She said: "Previous research has estimated that less than 10% of salmonella cases require hospitalisation, so it seems initially concerning that 38% in this outbreak have been admitted to hospital."
Public health advice
The Food Standards Agency says eggs that are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically should not present a food safety risk. Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults are advised only to eat raw or runny eggs carrying the British Lion mark or produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme.
Salmonella symptoms can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever, with people concerned about symptoms advised to contact their GP or out-of-hours service. UKHSA said eating out of the home was a common exposure among those infected, with egg consumption emerging as the strongest food-related link. However, officials have stressed there is currently no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.
