Close to 500 people in the UK have become ill with salmonella linked to imported eggs, according to UK authorities. The total number of cases has reached 474, with two new clusters of infection identified.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that two deaths have been recorded in connection with the outbreak. Some of the cases date back a year, but all involve genetically similar bacteria, suggesting a common food source.
Investigations are ongoing, but experts believe people have fallen sick after eating out, rather than from cooking eggs at home. Most cases have been recorded in recent weeks and months, primarily in England, with many in London and Yorkshire and Humber.
Prof Ian Young from the Food Standards Agency stated that investigations so far have identified links to imported eggs, adding there is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected. The UKHSA confirmed it will continue to follow up cases and investigate further common sources.