Overview

• Campylobacter cases rose 17.1% from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024, and salmonella infections increased from 8,872 to 10,388, both marking their highest annual totals in a decade.
• The UK Health Security Agency and Food Standards Agency have launched a joint probe to identify factors behind the surge and will analyse trends in other foodborne pathogens to shape public health measures.
• Children under 10 now represent about 21.5% of salmonella cases, while adults aged 50–79 account for 44% of campylobacter reports.
• Health experts warn that young children, elderly adults and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of severe illness or complications from these infections.
• An FSA survey found that one in eight adults has adopted risky food storage and cooking shortcuts to save money, potentially contributing to the rise in food poisoning cases.