The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) annual data show a significant rise in Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in England in 2024 compared to the previous year. 

Campylobacter cases have increased by 17.1 percent—from 60,055 cases in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024—reaching 121.9 reports per 100,000 population. This represents the highest number of cases recorded in the past decade. Adults ranging in age from 50–79 years account for 44 percent of all reports. 

Similarly, Salmonella infections reached a decade high, with a 17.1 percent increase from 2023, rising from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 cases in 2024. Children under 10 years old were particularly affected and accounted for 21.5 percent of cases.  

UKHSA and Food Standards Agency (FSA) experts are investigating further with partner agencies to understand the reasons behind the increase in Salmonella and Campylobacter cases. 

Moreover, cases of the parasite Cryptosporidium decreased by 16.4 percent compared to 2023, with 5,708 cases reported in 2024, although this was still the second-highest number of cases reported in the past decade. The number of infections in April 2024 was unusually high and was associated with 1) large outbreaks linked to lambing events and petting farm venues, and 2) an outbreak in South Devon associated with the public water supply.

The 2023 data for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cases showed a slight decrease of 2.2 percent compared to 2022 overall. The higher rate in 2022 was likely explained by a large STEC O157 outbreak. In 2023, even if the overall number of STEC cases decreased slightly, the number of STEC non-O157 cases increased by 14 percent (from 1,988 cases in 2022 to 2,260 cases in 2023). This was likely attributable to an increase in the number of diagnostic laboratories using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in recent years, which led to a significant increase in the detection of non-O157 STEC in England. 

In light of the increased rates of Campylobacter and Salmonella infection, FSA has launched a new campaign promoting food safety and hygiene at home. FSA also is working with industry and local authorities to help businesses meet their legal responsibility to make sure food is safe.