Rising salmonella cases likely to be linked to imported eggs

Industry experts demand that adequate checks to ensure food entering the country is safe for consumption, and call for “a robust system of core production standards”

An investigation into a national outbreak of salmonella enteritidis potentially linked to imported eggs has widened after UKHSA identified two further clusters of cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases across the three clusters to 474, including two deaths. 

Initial findings suggest eggs imported into the UK, mainly for use by foodservice and catering businesses, could be a source. The exact cause has not yet been confirmed, while the NFU is urging the government and foodservice providers to uphold British production standards.

As of 25 August, 259 confirmed cases and one death had been linked to the original cluster. UKHSA has also identified increases in two further, genetically distinct clusters, involving 177 and 38 confirmed cases in England respectively. There has been one further death in the smaller cluster.

Although the three clusters are genetically distinct, cases in all of them have increased since June 2026. UKHSA said their genetic relatedness, alongside information about the food eaten by those affected, suggests the outbreaks could all be associated with imported eggs and are therefore being investigated in parallel.

Hannah Charles, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said, “Our investigation to date indicates a link to imported eggs, however this investigation remains ongoing. We will continue to follow up cases and investigate any further common sources if they come to light.” There is no evidence that UK-produced eggs or poultry are affected.

Professor Owen B Spiller, Head of Medical Microbiology at Cardiff University’s Division of Infection and Immunity, said, “Most salmonella infections resolve without antibiotics.” However, he said the outbreak had led to significant illness. Among cases in the main cluster for which hospitalisation information was available, 41 of 149, or 27.5%, had been admitted to hospital. One death has been associated with that cluster.

“Government must ensure at a minimum that adequate checks are being conducted on imports to ensure all food coming into the country is safe…”

Will Raw, NFU Poultry Board Chair, said the outbreak highlighted wider concerns about imported food standards. “This undermines the excellent work British egg producers have undertaken over decades, adhering to the highest standards, abiding by rigorous testing and building a world-leading reputation. Food produced to standards that would be illegal in the UK is still being allowed into our market.”

He called for firmer checks at the border, adding: “Government must ensure at a minimum that adequate checks are being conducted on imports to ensure all food coming into the country is safe and introduce a robust system of core production standards that applies equally to domestic and imported food.” 

Natalie Stanton, Chartered CIEH member and small food business advisor, said: “This outbreak highlights the risks that can arise when eggs are imported from systems that may not meet the same rigorous standards required of UK producers.”

She added that consumers in the UK benefit from high egg safety standards through assurance schemes including the British Lion scheme.

Nick Allen, Chief Executive of the British Egg Industry Council, said: “It is deeply concerning that imported eggs are once again under scrutiny in connection with a serious salmonella outbreak. We have repeatedly raised concerns about the risks associated with imported eggs and egg products with government, most recently through our Shell Shocked report.”

Allen added that there must be parity. “Imported eggs and egg products entering the UK should meet standards equivalent to those expected of British producers if we are serious about protecting British consumers.”

Investigations by UKHSA, the FSA and other public health partners are continuing. UKHSA said the risk to the general public remains low.