Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Imported Eggs Confirmed
One Fatality and Widespread Hospitalisations Reported Across UK as Health Agencies Issue Warnings for Vulnerable Groups
Sarah Connor
A wave of salmonella infections has been definitively linked to eggs imported from outside the UK, resulting in one confirmed fatality.
The outbreak proved severe: 38% of those affected required hospital admission, and two individuals developed life-threatening bloodstream infections.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has urged vulnerable groups to avoid runny eggs when dining out. This advisory targets those over 65, children under five, pregnant women, and individuals with existing health conditions.
People need to be careful.
Ian Young emphasized the need for caution, stating, "People need to be careful." He further advised, "If people are eating out or consuming eggs or egg-containing products from cafes and restaurants then for those people in particular who are young, elderly, pregnant or vulnerable, it's important to make sure that any eggs or egg products that you consume in these settings have been very well cooked."
Vulnerable groups should also avoid certain freshly made foods containing raw egg, such as mayonnaise or soufflé, the FSA claims. Conversely, the FSA maintains that well-cooked eggs are safe for consumption when eating out or ordering takeaway.
The UKHSA identified five unnamed food businesses where multiple affected individuals had eaten in the week prior to symptom onset. Investigations identified links to imported eggs, mainly used by food service and catering establishments such as restaurants or cafes, as a potential source, the FSA indicated.
The FSA claims there is “no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected.” Ian Young reiterated this point, stating, "There is no link to those eggs to this current outbreak."
There is no link to those eggs to this current outbreak.
Infants, young children, pregnant individuals, and older adults are advised to consume runny or raw eggs only if they bear a British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme, the FSA claims. People who are severely immunocompromised and require medically supervised diets should follow their doctor's advice.
Hannah Charles claims that salmonellosis is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food and can rarely spread from person to person. Anyone handling eggs, eggshells or egg packaging should always wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap and dry them properly afterwards, the FSA claims.