UKHSA Declares 207-Case Salmonella Outbreak as Imported Eggs Emerge as Leading Suspect
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 19
UKHSA Declares 207-Case Salmonella Outbreak as Imported Eggs Emerge as Leading Suspect
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 19
Summary
One person has died and 207 people have been linked to a UK-wide salmonella outbreak that UKHSA has now classified as national.
Genetic sequencing tied the infections to a common source, and interviews with 114 patients pointed most strongly to eggs—especially imported eggs or egg products consumed in restaurants, cafes and other catering settings.
England accounts for 199 cases, including 47 in London and 38 in Yorkshire and Humber; Scotland has six cases, with one each in Wales and Northern Ireland.
UKHSA said there is still no confirmed source and no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry, while investigators trace mixed supply chains and alert other countries to look for genetically similar cases.
British experts said vaccination of commercial hens and the British Lion assurance scheme have sharply reduced domestic egg-related salmonella risk, highlighting weaker controls in some imported supply lines.