02 November 2026
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis linked to imported eggs from Ukraine, which has resulted in 78 confirmed cases of illness across England and Wales. As part of an epidemiological investigation initiated in May 2026, UKHSA tested approximately 3,000 imported eggs. In October 2026, the bacteria were detected in three samples originating from a single Ukrainian producer. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) conducted on October 8 confirmed that the isolates belong to the specific t5.8998 strain. Epidemiological data gathered up to October 13, 2026, indicates the following:
- Of the 78 confirmed cases, 40 were reported in 2026, with overall sample dates spanning from December 2024 to September 2026.
- The vast majority of infections (97%, or 76 cases) were identified in England, predominantly in London (42%) and the East of England (32%), with two additional cases reported in Wales.
- In June 2026, a localized cluster of six cases was linked to a restaurant in Yorkshire and Humber that utilized non-UK eggs for certain dishes.
Following the detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in the Ukrainian eggs, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a Food Alert for Action (FAFA) on October 10, 2026. The directive advises food businesses, caterers, wholesalers, and consumers to immediately withdraw and recall eggs from this specific producer, which can be identified by a unique code stamped on the shell.
UKHSA Health Protection Report Volume 20 Issue 10, October 2026
