Overview
- The UK Health Security Agency has declared a national Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak after about 200 confirmed cases and one death, with cases identified between August 11, 2025 and August 1, 2026.
- Early interviews and genetic analysis show the infections form a single outbreak and point to eggs imported from outside the UK, mainly used by restaurants, cafés and caterers, as the likely source while investigators trace suppliers.
- The Food Standards Agency has told children under five, people over 65, pregnant people and those with health conditions to avoid runny or undercooked eggs and freshly made egg products when dining out.
- Clinical impact has been severe for many patients: roughly 38% required hospital treatment, two developed bloodstream infections, and one death has been linked to the outbreak.
- Regulators have updated catering guidance urging businesses to prefer British Lion or Laid in Britain assured eggs or pasteurised egg products for raw or lightly cooked dishes, and industry groups are calling for imported eggs to meet equivalent UK safety standards.