Vulnerable Britons have been advised to avoid runny eggs and foods containing raw or undercooked eggs, such as mayonnaise and hollandaise sauce, when eating out due to a significant Salmonella outbreak that has resulted in one death and over 200 reported cases.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued the warning, specifically targeting individuals over 65, children under five, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions. These groups are considered at higher risk from Salmonella infections.
Health officials have declared the situation a national outbreak, with the spread believed to be linked to imported eggs, though the specific country of origin has not yet been confirmed by the government. The FSA emphasized that well-cooked eggs remain safe to consume, as do UK-produced eggs bearing the British Lion mark. FSA chief scientific adviser Ian Young noted the outbreak is "unusually large and rapidly increasing," urging caution.
Experts have expressed concern about the safety standards of imported eggs, with some suggesting that non-British eggs may come from farms using practices banned in the UK. For instance, a report published earlier this year highlighted potential risks associated with imported eggs, citing concerns over Salmonella, chemical residues, and production methods like the use of battery cages, which have been prohibited in the UK since 2012. Egg imports to the UK have reportedly increased by 60 percent since 2021, with a significant rise in exports from Ukraine and Poland.
The current outbreak has seen 199 cases in England, six in Scotland, one in Wales, and one in Northern Ireland. The specific strain identified is Salmonella Enteritidis, commonly associated with poultry and eggs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that over a third of those affected required hospital treatment, with two cases developing life-threatening bloodstream infections.
Investigations have identified five food businesses where multiple affected individuals reported eating in the week before symptoms appeared. The FSA is working with the UKHSA and other partners to investigate the outbreak, with imported eggs primarily used by food service and catering establishments identified as a potential source. There is currently no evidence linking UK-produced eggs to the outbreak.
This outbreak occurs as Belgium is also experiencing a Salmonella spread linked to eggs, affecting approximately 300 people. Previous significant Salmonella Enteritidis outbreaks linked to eggs from Poland were observed between 2017 and 2020, with a substantial number of cases reported in the UK.