Health

UK salmonella cases rise to nearly 500, linked to imported eggs

Health officials report two deaths and over 150 hospitalizations linked to three genetic clusters of the bacteria.

Updated Aug 27, 2026 · 11:20 UTC1 reports

The short version

UK health authorities have reported 474 cases of salmonella linked to imported eggs, marking an increase from earlier reports.
More than one-third of the infected individuals, ranging in age from infants to 92-year-olds, required hospital care.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the exact sources, while officials advise that eggs produced under UK quality assurance schemes remain safe.

The UK Health Security Agency has recorded 474 cases of salmonella linked to imported eggs, with most cases occurring in England.[BBC News]
Two deaths have been recorded in connection with the UK salmonella outbreak.[BBC News]
The outbreak is connected to three nearly identical genetic clusters of the bacteria, with some cases dating back to August 2025.[BBC News]
Salmonella cases from these genetic clusters have also been identified in other European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.[BBC News]
The Food Standards Agency stated there is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected by the outbreak.[BBC News]

The exact sources and suppliers of the imported eggs responsible for the outbreak have not yet been identified.[BBC News]
While UK investigations link the outbreak to imported eggs, Dutch authorities suggest a connection to chicken meat.[BBC News]