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The UK Health Security Agency confirms that an outbreak of salmonella in the UK has left one person dead and hundreds more ill. The outbreak is believed to be linked to imported eg
Developing
In Short: An outbreak of salmonella in the UK, linked to imported eggs, has left one person dead and sickened 207 others, prompting an investigation by the UK Health Security Agency.
The UK Health Security Agency has launched an investigation into 207 cases of salmonella, with most cases recorded in recent weeks. The agency is focusing on imported eggs as a potential source of the outbreak.
Salmonella can be found in various food sources, including raw or undercooked poultry, meat, and eggs. The Food Standards Agency advises that thoroughly cooked and hygienically handled eggs should not pose a food safety risk.
Jacquelyn McCormick, Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency, emphasized the importance of proper handling and cooking of eggs to prevent foodborne illnesses. She noted that hens in the UK are vaccinated against salmonella, but increasing imports of eggs from less regulated sources continue to arrive in the country.
Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Egg Industry Council, highlighted the mandatory salmonella vaccinations for hens in the UK but expressed concerns about the growing volume of imported eggs produced under less stringent regulations.
Background
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a government agency responsible for all health security in England, and some reserved public health protection matters across the whole of the United Kingdom. It is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- The UK Health Security Agency has launched an investigation, external into the 207 cases it has seen in the past year, with most recorded in recent weeks.
- Salmonella can be found in a number of food sources including raw or under-cooked poultry or meat and eggs.
- Jacquelyn McCormick, Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said eggs which are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically should not present a food safety risk.
- Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Egg Industry Council, said hens in the UK had mandatory salmonella vaccinations, but "increasing volumes of imports" produced under "less stringent regulations" continue to…