Vulnerable groups advised to avoid runny eggs when eating out amid salmonella outbreak
UKPulse Health Desk
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has advised vulnerable individuals to avoid undercooked or runny eggs when eating out due to a salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs. Over 200 cases have been reported across the UK, with one fatality.
- Under-fives, over-65s, pregnant women, and those with health conditions are advised to avoid runny eggs and products containing uncooked eggs when eating out.
- The UK Health Security Agency has declared a national salmonella outbreak, with over 200 cases and one death reported.
- The outbreak is thought to be linked to imported eggs or dishes containing them, with no link to British supermarket eggs.
Vulnerable individuals are being warned to avoid undercooked or runny eggs when eating out due to a developing salmonella outbreak. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has advised under-fives, over-65s, pregnant women, and those with health conditions to avoid such eggs, along with freshly-made products that may contain uncooked eggs, including mayonnaise, soufflé, and hollandaise sauce.
Well-cooked eggs from restaurants, cafes, and takeaways are considered safe to eat, according to the FSA. The warning follows the UK Health Security Agency's declaration of a national salmonella food poisoning outbreak, which has resulted in one death and hundreds of illnesses.
FSA chief scientific adviser Ian Young stated that the outbreak is considered "unusually large and rapidly increasing." Investigations suggest the outbreak is linked to imported eggs or dishes containing them, with genetic testing showing similarities to previous outbreaks involving imported eggs. There have been over 200 cases in the UK linked to this outbreak, with the majority in England.
Mr Young reiterated that British eggs from supermarkets are not linked to the current outbreak, as chickens bred in the UK are vaccinated against common strains of salmonella.
Why this matters: The salmonella outbreak has led to over 200 cases and one death, prompting public health advice to protect vulnerable groups from further infection.
What this means for you: If you are under five, over 65, pregnant, or have underlying health conditions, you should ensure any eggs or egg products consumed in restaurants, cafes, or takeaways are very well cooked. You should also avoid freshly-made products that might contain uncooked eggs, such as mayonnaise, soufflé, and hollandaise sauce.