More than 300 people have fallen ill in a salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs.

The outbreak is one of three clusters of Salmonella Enteritidis currently under investigation in the UK by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Food Standards Agency (FSA), and other public health partners.

As of September 7, 2026, there have been 322 confirmed cases and one death in England associated with the t5.9411 cluster, with sample dates ranging from August 11, 2025, to August 21, 2026.

Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "We continue to work closely with the Food Standards Agency and other public health partners to investigate these Salmonella clusters.

"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."

A further 186 cases have been confirmed in the t0.24068 cluster, with sample dates between May 27, 2025, and August 18, 2026.

The t5.9765 cluster has resulted in 41 cases and one death, with samples collected from January 27 to August 11, 2026.

Cases have been linked to a variety of food outlets, including cafes, restaurants, and takeaways.

Despite the growing number of cases, the risk to the general public remains low, according to health officials.

Ms Charles said: "It is important to emphasise that the overall risk to the public remains low.

"In England, all Salmonella samples from patients seen in hospitals or primary care are routinely analysed using Whole genome sequencing, helping us identify and investigate potential outbreaks quickly."

Most Salmonella infections result in mild symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever, which usually resolve without treatment.

However, the infection can occasionally cause more severe illness, including sepsis and hospitalisation, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

Professor Ian Young, chief scientific adviser for the FSA, said: "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."

The FSA’s advice is that thoroughly cooked and hygienically handled eggs pose no 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.

In settings where the source of eggs is unknown, such as when eating out, vulnerable individuals are advised to avoid dishes containing raw or lightly cooked eggs, including mousses, fresh mayonnaise, or hollandaise sauce.

Professor Young said: "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."