UNITED KINGDOM — The UK Health Security Agency declared a national outbreak of salmonella food poisoning linked to imported eggs, with 207 confirmed cases and one death. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed all 207 cases are linked to a single strain of salmonella.

Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist for gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said the agency is coordinating with other bodies to identify the source. "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," she said.

Charles added that investigators have ruled out domestic production as the cause. "At this time there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry," she said.

The UK Health Security Agency stated there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry. Interviews indicated that eggs provide the strongest signal for the source of infection.

UKHSA experts interviewed 114 people involved in the outbreak to trace potential exposure routes. The ages of those affected range from under one year to 90 years old.

Geographic data shows the outbreak is concentrated in England, where 199 of the 207 cases occurred. This figure represents 96.1% of the total confirmed cases.

Within England, 47 cases occurred in London and 38 cases occurred in Yorkshire and Humber. Six cases occurred in Scotland, one case occurred in Wales, and one case occurred in Northern Ireland.

Investigators found connections between the illness and specific commercial settings. 24 cases had links to five unnamed food businesses.

Of those linked to businesses, 11 people reported eating dishes containing eggs at the linked businesses. Local investigations identified possible cross-contamination risk events within two of the linked settings.

The Food Standards Agency issued guidance to catering businesses on the storage and handling of eggs. Symptoms of salmonella include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever.

Symptoms usually develop between 12 and 72 hours after infection. Salmonella bacteria typically live in the digestive tract of animals including cattle, pigs, and chickens.

Person-to-person spread of salmonella is rare. Cooking eggs and other food thoroughly can prevent salmonella infection.

Why It Matters

Salmonella has claimed 33 lives in a single year across the UK according to latest figures. The declaration of a national outbreak indicates a public health response is underway to contain the spread and identify the specific imported products responsible.

The distinction between imported and UK-produced eggs is central to the investigation, as domestic hens are subject to vaccination requirements. The British Lion Code of Practice guarantees that all hens are vaccinated against salmonella, providing a baseline of safety for domestically produced eggs that may not apply to imports.

What's New

Additional reporting provides further detail on the timeline and severity of the outbreak. The first case was identified on 11 August 2025, while most cases were identified since mid-July 2026.

Two people developed serious blood poisoning during the course of the illness.

Hannah Charles stated, "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."