Salmonella outbreak update

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), alongside the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other public health partners, continues to investigate three clusters of Salmonella Enteritidis (t5.9411, t5.9765 and t0.24068) in the UK that evidence suggests may be linked to imported eggs. 

The latest information on all 3 outbreaks in England is being published weekly. 

As of 01 September 2026, there have been: 

• a total of 305 confirmed cases and one death linked to the t5.9411 cluster in England, with sample dates ranging from 11 August 2025 to 21 August 2026. 

• a total of 182 confirmed cases linked to the t0.24068 cluster in England, with no deaths reported, and sample dates ranging from 27 May 2025 to 15 August 2026. 

• a total of 41 confirmed cases and one death linked to the t5.9765 cluster in England, with sample dates ranging from 27 January 2026 to 11 August 2026. 

Cases continue to be associated with eating at a range of food outlets, including small cafés, restaurants and takeaway businesses. 

The risk to the general public from Salmonella remains low. 

Hannah Charles, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 

"We continue to work closely with the Food Standards Agency and other public health partners to investigate these Salmonella clusters.   

“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. 

"It is important to emphasise that the overall risk to the public remains low. In England, all Salmonella samples from patients seen in hospitals or primary care are routinely analysed using Whole Genome Sequencing, helping us identify and investigate potential outbreaks quickly. 

"Most Salmonella infections cause mild symptoms, such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever, which usually resolve without treatment. However, the infection can occasionally cause more serious illness, including sepsis requiring hospital admission, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems." 

Professor Ian Young, Chief Scientific Adviser for the Food Standards Agency said:   

“We continue to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other partners to investigate outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis. The exact causes of these outbreaks have not yet been identified, but investigations so far have identified links to imported eggs. There is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected.    

"Our food safety advice remains the same: eggs that are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically should not present a food safety risk. Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults should only eat raw or lightly cooked eggs if they carry the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain scheme.  This advice does not apply to those who are severely immunocompromised and require medically supervised diets, who should continue to follow individual medical advice. 

"If you’re eating out or buying food that contains eggs, you may not know if these carry the British Lion mark or are Laid in Britain assured. If this is the case, when eating out the safest approach for vulnerable people is to ensure they're thoroughly cooked and to avoid dishes containing raw or lightly cooked egg, such as mousses, fresh mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce. 

"As with any foodborne illness, good hygiene remains your best protection: store and cook food according to the packet instructions, wash your hands thoroughly before handling food and always after handling raw meat, poultry and eggs.”  

Please read the FSA blog on the recent Salmonella outbreaks and tips on how to stay protected