A salmonella outbreak in the UK suspected to be linked to imported eggs has led to at least one death and more than 200 illnesses, health officials have said.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating 207 cases recorded over the past year, with most occurring in recent weeks. More than a third of those affected — ranging from babies to people in their 90s — required hospital care, and two developed serious blood poisoning, although most patients recover without treatment.
The outbreak involves a single identical strain of the bacterium, which is unusual compared with the sporadic salmonella cases seen routinely. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, typically developing between 12 and 72 hours after infection. Anyone concerned is advised to contact their GP or an out-of-hours service.
Geographically, 199 of the cases are in England, including 47 in London and 38 in Yorkshire and Humber. Six cases have been recorded in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist for gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said the agency is working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other public health bodies to investigate a possible link to eggs imported from outside the UK. Evidence so far suggests many of those affected fell ill after eating out rather than at home, and some food businesses connected to 24 of the cases use imported eggs. No link to UK-produced eggs or poultry has been identified at this stage.
Jacquelyn McCormick, head of incidents at the FSA, said eggs that are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically should not pose a food safety risk. She advised vulnerable groups — infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults — to eat runny or raw eggs only if they bear a British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain assurance scheme. She also stressed the importance of washing hands with soap and water after handling eggs, shells or packaging.
Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Egg Industry Council, noted that UK hens are subject to mandatory salmonella vaccinations, while increasing volumes of egg imports produced under less stringent regulations continue to arrive in Britain. The UKHSA said extensive epidemiological and food-chain investigations are ongoing, that more cases may emerge, and that the risk to the general public remains low.