UK faces escalating multi-country Salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs

A Salmonella outbreak spanning seven nations has infected over 300 people, with the UK most affected, as authorities investigate imported eggs as the potential source.

The United Kingdom is the country most affected in a multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis that now spans seven nations, according to the UK Health Security Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. UK authorities have recorded 207 confirmed infections between August 2025 and August 2026, with 199 cases in England, six in Scotland, and one each in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Across Europe, the ECDC says the Netherlands has reported 106 cases, followed by Belgium with 15, Germany with six, France with four, Austria with two and Denmark with one. In total, 341 confirmed infections had been identified by August 2026. At least 34 people have been hospitalised and one person in the UK has died.

Investigators in Britain suspect imported eggs as the source, particularly those used by food service businesses. Jacquelyn McCormick of the Food Standards Agency said there is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are implicated. The agency’s view is consistent with the UKHSA’s national outbreak declaration.

The ECDC says eggs and chicken products remain the most likely vehicles, and expects further cases until controls improve. The outbreak strain has also been seen before in the Netherlands, where officials reopened an investigation after fresh cases emerged in 2026 following an earlier lull.