Is it safe to eat eggs? Protect yourself from salmonella amid deadly outbreak

| Lifestyle Reporter Published August 19, 2026 3:34pm Updated August 19, 2026 3:35pm The UK has had 207 salmonella cases in the past year, with the majority occurring in the past few weeks (Picture: Shutterstock / Anna Hoychuk) Salmonella cases spreading across the UK have raised concerns about whether it’s still safe to eat eggs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that one person has died, and hundreds have been affected by food poisoning caused by the bacteria. And, more than a third of people affected (38%) in the outbreak were admitted to hospital. Salmonella, a bacterial infection, affects the intestinal tract. It causes all the nasty symptoms you’ll likely have experienced at some point in your life, including sickness, diarrhoea, a high temperature and generally feeling unwell. But, in rare cases, it can become serious. It can contaminate the human bloodstream, cause infection and inflammation of the arteries and arthritis, and even lead to death. Currently, the vast majority of salmonella cases have been reported in England, with 199 affected. Elsewhere, six cases have been recorded in Scotland, while Wales and Northern Ireland have one each. People should only eat eggs with a British Lion mark or one’s produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme (Picture: Geoffrey Swaine/Shutterstock) While the UKHSA said the outbreak ‘may be linked to eggs imported from outside of the UK’, it’s left people nervous about their favourite breakfast food. Here’s everything you need to know. Are eggs safe to eat? The UKHSA has confirmed that ‘there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. And, as pharmacist Thorrun Govind tells Metro: The outbreak doesn’t mean you need to stop eating eggs.’ But it does mean that it is worth being a little more mindful about which ones you buy. Thorrun continues: ‘For vulnerable groups such as those who are pregnant, it is important to look for eggs that have the red British Lion stamp or are produced under the Laid in Britain scheme,’ she adds. How to reduce the risk of salmonella It’s also important to ensure you’re practicing good food hygiene. ‘Salmonella is a bacteria so this really matters,’ Thorrun explains. ‘Wash your hands after handling raw eggs and don’t forget to clean work surfaces and utensils.’ Thorrun also advises that you cook your eggs correctly, which means following instructions regarding time and temperature. She also adds: ‘Wash hands and keep raw foods away from foods that are ready to eat.’ Ensure you cook your eggs correctly and that they are within their ‘use by date’ (Picture: Shutterstock / Iryna Inshyna) Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you The Food Standards Agency also recommends further practices to reduce the risk of salmonella: Avoid cross-contamination – this can prevent bacteria passing from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods, via things like shopping bags, knives and surfaces. Chill your food below 5°C – this will stop or significantly slow bacterial growth. Consume your food and drinks by the ‘use by date’ – check the labels and don’t eat or drink items after the recommended date; even if it looks or smells fine, it could still contain bacteria. Ensure food preparations are clean – this prevents harmful bacteria from spreading. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water before, during and after meal preparation. More health guidance from Metro Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: ‘No one will be able to breathe’: Londoners brace for dusty festival chaos this weekend Arrow MORE: Boy, 13, relives moment he saved his newborn brother from choking to death Arrow MORE: You can call ADHD whatever you like — I still have to live with it The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.