The UK Health Security Agency has reported more than 50 new salmonella cases in the past week, part of three linked outbreaks that officials believe stem from imported eggs. Two people have died so far, and the outbreaks matter because they have spread across several other European countries while continuing to grow in Britain, with health chiefs now urging vulnerable groups to avoid runny or undercooked eggs when eating out.

Total confirmed cases have risen to 528, up from 474 a week earlier, with the largest outbreak alone climbing from 259 to 305 infections. UK cases have mostly been traced to small cafes, restaurants and takeaways, while similar clusters have emerged in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and the Netherlands; more than a third of patients have needed hospital treatment. The Food Standards Agency says UK-produced eggs pose no known risk and advises over-65s, pregnant women and under-fives to only eat raw or lightly cooked eggs carrying the British Lion mark, while officials maintain the overall public risk remains low.