Ukrainian Eggs Recalled Amid Salmonella Outbreak Linked to 36 Infections

Eggs imported from Ukraine have been recalled after testing positive for Salmonella Enteritidis, a strain of the bacteria linked to 36 infections in England. The discovery marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a major salmonella outbreak that has infected at least 650 people in Britain, leading to 99 hospitalizations and two deaths.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has ordered all eggs from the Ukrainian producer Yasensvit Ltd, stamped with the code 3UA1012066, to be removed from sale. These eggs were primarily supplied to restaurants, cafes, and catering businesses, with some potentially reaching smaller shops, but they were not sold in major supermarkets.

While the strain found in the recalled Ukrainian eggs is genetically different from those associated with the broader outbreak affecting 650 individuals, its detection represents a separate cluster of infections linked to contaminated imported eggs. Health chiefs emphasized that eggs produced and sold in major UK supermarkets remain unaffected.

Jacquelyn McCormick, head of incidents at the FSA, stated, "We have identified Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs that were imported from a business in Ukraine and taken urgent action to protect public health." She also reassured the public, "Eggs bought in major supermarkets are produced in the UK, and therefore not affected by this outbreak."

Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), confirmed the genetic testing results. "The S. Enteritidis strain we identified in this batch of imported eggs is genetically different to S. Enteritidis strains linked to the ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation, but is associated with 36 Salmonella cases in England reported in 2026," Charles explained.

The wider salmonella outbreak has seen a significant increase in cases and hospitalizations since it was first reported in July. Salmonella infection typically causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. While most recover, severe cases can lead to life-threatening sepsis, with young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems being particularly vulnerable.

The FSA continues to collaborate with the UKHSA and international partners to investigate the source of the larger outbreak.