UK Salmonella Outbreak: Eggs and Chicken Investigated as Possible Sources

A Salmonella outbreak affecting the UK and six European countries has caused 207 confirmed UK cases. Experts are investigating eggs and chicken as possible sources.

A continuing Salmonella outbreak in the UK has prompted fresh questions about the possible role of chicken products, after European health experts highlighted evidence from an investigation in the Netherlands.

The outbreak has affected seven European countries, including the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark and Austria. According to information reported by Metro, the UK has recorded 207 confirmed cases, with one death and dozens of hospitalisations reported across the affected countries.

Although contaminated eggs remain the strongest suspected source of infection in the UK, investigators have not ruled out other food products. A Dutch investigation has pointed towards chicken meat as another possible source, although experts have stressed that the evidence is currently limited.

What is behind the UK Salmonella outbreak?

The outbreak was first identified in August 2025 and has continued into 2026. Case numbers have increased, particularly in the UK and the Netherlands.

The UK Health Security Agency, or UKHSA, has previously identified imported eggs as the strongest suspected source of the British outbreak. However, the agency said there was no identified link at the time to eggs or poultry produced in the UK.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, known as the ECDC, has also highlighted investigations into imported eggs in the UK.

At the same time, the ECDC said a Dutch investigation in 2026 had pointed towards chicken meat. The organisation noted that this finding was based on interviews with a relatively small number of patients, meaning further investigation is needed before chicken can be confirmed as a source.

This distinction is important. The current evidence does not establish that British chicken is responsible for the outbreak.

Which countries have reported cases?

The Salmonella outbreak has been reported in seven European countries.

These include:

• United Kingdom
• Netherlands
• France
• Germany
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Austria

The UK and Netherlands have been among the countries most heavily affected.

In Britain, the outbreak has been particularly concentrated in England. London has recorded 47 cases, while Yorkshire and the Humber has reported 38 cases.

Of the 207 confirmed UK cases mentioned in the report, only eight were residents outside England. Six were recorded in Scotland, with one case in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.

Health authorities continue to investigate how the infection is spreading and whether there is a common source connecting cases across different countries.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food and cause an illness known as salmonellosis.

People can become infected after consuming contaminated food. Salmonella can be associated with products including eggs, poultry, meat, unpasteurised dairy products and some fresh produce.

Common symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and some infections can become more serious.

Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can face a higher risk of severe illness. In serious cases, Salmonella infection can lead to bloodstream infections and sepsis.

The strain identified in the current outbreak is Salmonella Enteritidis ST11, a strain associated with foodborne infections.

According to the information cited in the report, health authorities expect further cases could occur until effective control measures are implemented at the source.

Are eggs still considered the main concern?

For the UK outbreak, imported eggs remain a major focus of investigation.

The UKHSA has described contaminated eggs as the strongest possible cause identified so far. However, investigations are continuing, and authorities have not established a definitive source for every case.

The distinction between imported and UK-produced food is also significant.

Investigators have not identified a link between the outbreak and UK-produced eggs or poultry based on the assessment cited in the report.

The National Farmers' Union has nevertheless called for the government to ensure appropriate checks are carried out on food entering the UK.

The organisation has expressed concern that imported food could potentially be produced under standards different from those required of British producers.

What does the possible chicken link mean?

The suggestion that chicken could be involved does not mean consumers should assume that all chicken is contaminated.

Instead, it reflects an ongoing investigation into possible sources of infection.

The Dutch evidence is currently based on a relatively small number of patient interviews. More epidemiological and food-chain investigation is therefore needed to determine whether chicken products are genuinely connected to the wider outbreak.

For consumers, normal food safety precautions remain important. Raw poultry should be handled carefully, stored appropriately and cooked thoroughly. People should also avoid cross-contamination between raw meat and ready-to-eat foods.

Good hand hygiene and careful kitchen cleaning are particularly important when preparing raw poultry.

What should consumers do?

There is currently no reason in the information provided to suggest that people should stop eating chicken altogether.

Instead, consumers should follow established food safety guidance. Raw chicken should be kept separate from foods that will not be cooked, and utensils, chopping boards and work surfaces should be cleaned after contact with raw poultry.

Chicken should be cooked thoroughly before eating. Consumers should also follow storage and preparation instructions provided on food packaging.

Anyone who develops symptoms associated with Salmonella, particularly severe or persistent symptoms, should seek appropriate medical advice.

People at greater risk of complications should take symptoms seriously and seek professional guidance if they become unwell.

Investigation remains ongoing

The continuing Salmonella outbreak demonstrates why tracing foodborne infections can take time.

Although contaminated imported eggs remain the strongest suspected source in the UK, evidence from the Netherlands has raised the possibility that chicken products may also have played a role.

At present, the available evidence does not establish chicken as the confirmed cause of the wider European outbreak.

Health authorities are continuing to investigate the cases, possible food sources and links between countries. Further findings could change the understanding of how the outbreak began and how it has continued to spread.

For now, consumers should avoid unnecessary alarm while continuing to follow basic food hygiene advice.

Sources:
The UK Health Security Agency, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and and Control and the National Farmers' Union.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general information only and should not be treated as medical advice. Information about the Salmonella outbreak may change as health authorities continue their investigations. Readers should consult the UKHSA, NHS or another appropriate public health authority for the latest official guidance, particularly if they are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about their health.