With one dead and hundreds seriously ill, a national outbreak of Salmonella has been declared. But here experts explain… why you CAN still go to work on an egg (As long as it’s British)
UK health officials have declared a national salmonella outbreak after one person died and more than 200 others fell ill, with eggs identified as the likely source. However, experts stress that British eggs are not implicated in the outbreak and remain safe to eat, with cheap imported eggs used in cafes and restaurants being the suspected culprit rather than eggs bought or eaten at home.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, a dietitian and egg expert, said the outbreak stems from imported eggs from countries without Britain's rigorous safety standards, and advised diners to ask about the origin of eggs when eating out. The UK's British Lion mark scheme, under which hens are vaccinated against salmonella and tracked via a passport-style traceability system, is credited with keeping British eggs low-risk, meaning runny eggs carrying the mark can still be safely eaten provided normal hygiene practices, such as handwashing and proper fridge storage, are followed.
- National salmonella outbreak declared: one dead, 200+ ill
- Imported eggs eaten out are the likely cause, not British ones
- British Lion-marked eggs remain safe, including served runny