Vulnerable individuals have been urged by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to avoid consuming under-cooked or runny eggs when dining out, as a national salmonella outbreak continues to develop across the UK. The warning specifically targets those at higher risk of severe illness, including children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with existing health conditions. Authorities advise these groups to also steer clear of freshly prepared products that may contain raw eggs, such as hollandaise sauce, soufflé, and mayonnaise.
The UK Health Security Agency officially declared a national outbreak of salmonella food poisoning following reports of hundreds of illnesses and one confirmed death. While the investigation is ongoing, current evidence suggests that imported eggs or dishes incorporating them are the likely source of the infections. Genetic analysis indicates that the cases are linked to the same outbreak, with investigators noting similarities to previous incidents involving imported egg products. Most of the more than 200 recorded cases have occurred in England.
Ian Young, the FSA’s chief scientific adviser, emphasized that for those in vulnerable categories, it is vital to ensure that any eggs or egg products consumed in cafes, restaurants, or takeaways are thoroughly cooked. However, he clarified that the public can continue to purchase British eggs from supermarkets with confidence, noting that chickens in the UK are vaccinated against common salmonella strains and that there is no link between these eggs and the current outbreak. He described the situation as an “unusually large and rapidly increasing” event.
Salmonella bacteria typically reside in the digestive tracts of animals, including pigs, cattle, and chickens, which explains why poultry and eggs are frequently associated with the infection. Transmission often occurs through the consumption of contaminated food that has not been properly cooked, or via cross-contamination in kitchens where raw and cooked ingredients are mixed. Symptoms of salmonella infection include vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. While many individuals recover without medical intervention, the infection can be severe for those with weakened immune systems, infants, or the elderly, who may require hospital care involving fluids or antibiotics. Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms is advised to reach out to their GP or an out-of-hours service.
