474 Cases, Two Deaths in Three UK Salmonella Outbreaks Likely Linked to Imported Eggs
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating three Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak clusters potentially associated with imported eggs, which have collectively caused 474 confirmed illnesses and two deaths in England.
Three S. Enteritidis Outbreak Clusters, Imported Eggs Suspected Vehicle
As of August 25, 2026, the largest cluster, designated S. Enteritidis t5.9411, includes 259 confirmed cases and one death, with illness dates ranging from August 11, 2025–August 8, 2026. UKHSA said recent investigations suggested that the outbreak may be associated with imported eggs, with cases linked to eating at small cafés, restaurants, and takeaway businesses.
UKHSA has also identified increases in two genetically distinct but related S. Enteritidis clusters, t0.24068 and t5.9765. Epidemiological and food exposure information, together with the genetic relationships among the clusters, suggested that all three outbreaks could be associated with imported eggs, according to the agency.
Cluster t0.24068 included 177 confirmed cases and no reported deaths, while t5.9765 included 38 cases and one death. Case counts for all three clusters have increased since June 2026.
One Cluster Involved in EU-Wide Outbreak
The outbreaks are part of a broader increase in S. Enteritidis reporting. Between August 18 and August 24, UKHSA identified 260 non-typhoidal Salmonella isolates, of which 122, or 46.9 percent, were S. Enteritidis. A total of 36 isolates were associated with the three outbreak clusters.
Additionally, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported an ongoing multinational outbreak involving t5.9411. Of 341 confirmed cases reported across Europe between May 2025 and August 2026, 61 percent were reported by the UK and 31 percent by the Netherlands. Cases have also been identified in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, and Germany.
UKHSA said England’s extensive use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) may contribute to higher reported case numbers compared with other European countries because the surveillance system enables more sensitive outbreak detection. At the same time, the agency noted that surveillance figures likely underestimate the actual number of infections because people with milder symptoms may not seek healthcare.
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No Evidence Implicating Domestic Eggs; Public Health Risk Remains Low
UKHSA emphasized that the overall risk to the public is low.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) said that investigators had identified associations with imported eggs but had not yet determined the exact causes of the outbreaks. He said there was no evidence implicating UK-produced eggs.
UKHSA will publish updated case counts for the three outbreaks weekly, here.
