Health authorities have issued an urgent update as cases of a foodborne illness have reached their highest level in over a decade. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned the public to be vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Rising Cases of Salmonella and Campylobacter
Latest figures reveal that Salmonella cases in 2025 increased to 10,406, up from 10,389 in 2024, marking the highest number recorded in ten years. Meanwhile, Campylobacter infections remained high, though they dipped slightly from 70,392 in 2024 to 69,394 in 2025.
Both infections are typically contracted through contaminated food, including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruits, vegetables, and unpasteurised milk products. Transmission can also occur through close contact with an infected person, especially in household settings, or via cross-contamination in kitchens when utensils are used for both raw and cooked foods.
Listeriosis on the Rise
Listeriosis cases also climbed, with 181 reported in England and Wales in 2025, compared to 179 in 2024. Caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, the infection is usually acquired by eating contaminated raw, chilled, or ready-to-eat foods. Most people experience no symptoms or only mild stomach upset, but it can be severe in older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying conditions. In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
The data shows that listeriosis cases were highest among those aged 80 and over. In 2025, there were 141 non-pregnancy-associated cases, resulting in 28 deaths (19.9%). Additionally, 40 cases were pregnancy-associated, accounting for about one in five of all cases. Among those with known outcomes, nearly a third (31.4%) resulted in stillbirth or miscarriage.
Expert Advice on Prevention
Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director for Gastrointestinal Infections at UKHSA, stated: "We are seeing consistently high levels of gastrointestinal infections in England. We continue to work closely with partners to detect, investigate, and stop the spread of these infections."
She emphasised that these infections spread through contaminated food or water, contact with infected persons, or contact with infected animals or their environment. "Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet, handling raw meat, eating, and contact with animals or farms, can help prevent infection. Anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others, should not return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared."
Symptoms of these gastrointestinal infections include diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, vomiting, and mild fever. Most people recover within one to two weeks, but young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness.
Food Standards Agency Response
Dr James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency, said: "Public safety is our highest priority and we’re working closely with UKHSA and other partners to understand the reasons behind the rise in Campylobacter and Salmonella cases, so we can take the necessary action to protect public health."
He added: "We’re also supporting businesses to meet their legal responsibility to keep food safe, and we encourage consumers to check Food Hygiene Ratings at food.gov.uk when they are eating out. People can reduce their risk of food poisoning at home by following the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination."
