Nearly 500 people have been infected and two people have died in three Salmonella outbreaks under investigation across the United Kingdom since 2025.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other public health authorities are investigating three clusters of Salmonella Enteritidis infections. Genetic analysis and information gathered from patients suggest the outbreaks may be linked to imported eggs served at small cafés, restaurants and takeaways.
The largest cluster has recorded 259 confirmed cases and one death. Patient samples date from August 11, 2025, through August 8, 2026.
Since late July alone, 189 infections have been reported in England. Patients range in age from under 1 year to 90 years, with a median age of 30. Among 149 patients for whom hospitalization information was available, 41 were admitted to hospital.
A second cluster has recorded 177 cases in England, with samples collected between May 27, 2025, and August 5, 2026. Patients range in age from under 1 to 92, with a median age of 29. Of 27 patients with available information, 12 required hospitalization.
The third cluster includes 38 cases and one death, with samples dating from January 27 to July 29, 2026. Patients range from 2 to 87 years old, and five people have been hospitalized.
The outbreak investigation extends beyond the UK.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported more than 100 related Salmonella Enteritidis sequence type 11 infections in the Netherlands.
Additional cases have been reported in:
At least 34 people have been hospitalized among these European cases.
In the Netherlands, health authorities restarted an investigation in July into a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak that began in spring 2025. The cluster currently includes 111 patients, including 31 cases reported in 2026.
According to Professor Ian Young, chief scientific adviser at the FSA, investigations have identified links between the UK cases and imported eggs.
However, authorities have emphasized that there is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected.
The FSA continues to advise consumers to handle eggs hygienically and cook them thoroughly.
The FSA says vulnerable groups should take additional precautions when eating foods containing eggs outside the home because they may not know where the eggs originated.
Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults are advised to avoid dishes containing raw or lightly cooked eggs unless the eggs meet appropriate assurance standards, such as the British Lion mark or the Laid in Britain scheme.
Foods of concern can include:
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. Symptoms commonly include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.
While many infections resolve without treatment, Salmonella can cause serious illness requiring hospitalization, particularly among vulnerable individuals.
UK health authorities are investigating three linked Salmonella Enteritidis outbreaks involving almost 500 infections and two deaths. Evidence so far points toward a possible connection with imported eggs used by food businesses, while authorities say there is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected.