A nationwide investigation is underway in the UK after more than 120 confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis were reported across multiple regions. Early findings suggest a potential link to imported eggs, prompting coordinated action from national food safety and public health authorities.
A Salmonella outbreak affecting 123 people in the United Kingdom is under investigation, with officials suggesting that imported eggs may be the potential source. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) first detected the increase in August through routine surveillance and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis, which identified all cases as part of a single outbreak strain.
Most illnesses have occurred in England, with additional cases in Scotland (2) and Wales (1).
Patients range in age from 1 to 92 years, with a median age of 30. The age group most affected is children under 9 years old. There have been some hospitalizations but no deaths reported so far. Gender distribution includes 69 males and 54 females.
UKHSA is working with Public Health Scotland (PHS), Public Health Wales (PHW), the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland (FSS), and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Early investigations, including patient interviews and supply chain mapping, point toward imported eggs distributed to several businesses across the UK.
Authorities have issued hygiene guidance to businesses linked to the same egg distributor. Further testing of eggs and in-depth tracing of supply chain origins are ongoing.
Hannah Charles, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasized basic hygiene as the key to preventing the spread of Salmonella. She advised:
The FSA has also reiterated its guidance on eggs, recommending that babies, children, pregnant women, and seniors consume only British Lion-marked or Laid in Britain eggs if eaten raw or runny.
Food contaminated with Salmonella often appears normal, making the infection difficult to detect without testing. Symptoms usually develop 12–72 hours after exposure and include:
Most healthy adults recover within 4 to 7 days, but severe cases can require hospitalization. High-risk groups include:
Some infected individuals may not show symptoms but can still spread the bacteria.