UK salmonella cases nearing 500 as egg investigations continue
UK health authorities have identified nearly 500 cases of salmonella linked to imported eggs, resulting in two deaths. Investigations suggest the outbreak is tied to specific genetic clusters and likely stems from eating out rather than home cooking.
Why it matters
The outbreak highlights ongoing food safety risks and the challenges of tracking international food supply chains during public health crises.
Image source, Getty Images By Michelle Roberts Digital health editor Published 29 minutes ago Close to 500 people have become ill with salmonella linked to imported eggs, say UK authorities, who say they have identified two new clusters of the infection.
The UK Health Security Agency , external reported 207 cases last week. That has been increased to 259, with the two new clusters bringing the total to 474. There have been two deaths recorded.
Some of the cases date back a year, but all involve bacteria that are almost genetically identical, suggesting a common food source.
Investigations are ongoing, but based on what is known so far, experts say people have fallen sick after eating out rather than cooking eggs at home.
Cases of salmonella are being seen in other European countries too - Austria (2), Belgium (15), Denmark (1), France (4), Germany (6), the Netherlands (106).
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