In line with previous reports, the agencies suggested that the outbreak may be linked to eggs imported to the UK from abroad, with cases associated with eating out, from small cafes, restaurants and takeaway businesses.

Data acquired as of 25th August has detailed that there have been 259 confirmed cases and one death linked to the cluster, with sample dates for the cases ranging from 11th August 2025 to 8th August 2026.

Since starting the investigation into the first Salmonella Enteritidis cluster, UKHSA has identified an increase in two further clusters of cases (t0.24068 and t5.9765). These two additional clusters are said to be genetically distinct to the t5.9411 cluster but are part of the wider family of Salmonella Enteritidis which has seen increased case reporting from June 2026.

Case numbers for all three clusters have risen since June 2026, with one of the additional clusters first investigated in 2025 before cases began rising again from June 2026. The genetic relatedness of these clusters along with food information suggests that these outbreaks could all be associated with imported eggs and are therefore being investigated in parallel.

As of 25th August 2026, there have been 38 confirmed cases and one death linked to the t5.9765 cluster in England, with sample dates ranging from 27th January 2026 to 29th July 2026.

As of 25th August 2026, there have been 177 confirmed cases linked to the t0.24068 cluster in England, with no deaths reported, and sample dates ranging from 27th May 2025 to 5th August 2026.

UKHSA and FSA stated that the risk to the general public from Salmonella remains low, but people with weakened immune systems (very young children, the elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised people) can experience more severe disease.

FSA guidance states that older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with weakened immune systems can “safely eat raw or lightly cooked hen eggs”, or foods containing them, if the eggs carry the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain assurance scheme.

Consumers encouraged to eat thoroughly cooked eggs

Professor Ian Young, chief scientific adviser for the Food Standards Agency, commented: “We continue to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other partners to investigate outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis. The exact causes of these outbreaks have not yet been identified, but investigations so far have identified links to imported eggs. There is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected.

“Our food safety advice remains the same: eggs that are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically should not present a food safety risk. Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults should only eat raw or lightly cooked eggs if they carry the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain scheme. This advice does not apply to those who are severely immunocompromised and require medically supervised diets, who should continue to follow individual medical advice.

“If you’re eating out or buying food that contains eggs, you may not know if these carry the British Lion mark or are Laid in Britain assured. If this is the case, when eating out the safest approach for vulnerable people is to ensure they’re thoroughly cooked and to avoid dishes containing raw or lightly cooked egg, such as mousses, fresh mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce.

“As with any foodborne illness, good hygiene remains your best protection: store and cook food according to the packet instructions, wash your hands thoroughly before handling food and always after handling raw meat, poultry and eggs.”

Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, stated: “It’s important to emphasise that the overall risk to the general public remains low. In England, all Salmonella samples from patients presenting to hospitals or primary care undergo Whole Genome Sequencing, which provides a good understanding of the emergence of new outbreaks.

“Our investigation to date indicates a link to imported eggs, however this investigation remains ongoing. We will continue to follow up cases and investigate any further common sources if they come to light.”

NFU calls for strengthened import checks

National Farmers’ Union Poultry Board chair Will Raw said that the outbreak had been “deeply concerning and should serve as a wake-up call”, as despite the UK egg industry investing in biosecurity, vaccination programmes, traceability and assurance schemes, food safety incidents linked to imports could affect confidence in the wider sector.

Raw commented: “We are calling on Government to strengthen import checks, implement a more robust testing regime for eggs entering the UK and take swift action when imported products pose a risk to public health. This needs to be done urgently before anyone else loses their life.

“We’re also encouraging consumers to ask where their food comes from and urging foodservice businesses to prioritise British sourcing. The standards our members work to matter, and consumers deserve to know the difference.

“The principle is simple. If British farmers are required to meet standards on food safety, animal health and welfare, responsible antibiotic use and environmental protection, then imported food should be expected to meet equivalent standards. That isn’t protectionism. It’s common sense.”