Is it safe to eat eggs? Latest advice as deadly salmonella outbreak nears 500 cases
Salmonella cases spreading across the UK have raised concerns about whether it’s still safe to eat eggs.
This week, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that two people have died, with almost 500 reported cases of food poisoning caused by the bacteria.
To make matters worse, more than a third of the 474 those affected by this current outbreak, which dates back up to a year, had to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
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 instances, it can become serious, contaminating the human bloodstream, causing infection and inflammation of the arteries and arthritis, and even leading to death.
In investigations, recent cases have all been linked to almost genetically identical bacteria, suggesting a common food source.
And 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.’
Similarly, Food Standards Agency (FSA) spokesperson, Prof Ian Young, commented: ‘We continue to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other partners to investigate.
‘The exact causes of these outbreaks have not yet been identified, but investigations so far have identified links to imported eggs.
With that in mind, 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.
‘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 continues:
This is due to strict salmonella vaccination protocols in place for farms registered as part of these regulatory frameworks.
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, as well as washing hands and keeping ‘raw foods away from foods that are ready to eat.’
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria which is spread via contaminated food such as eggs, poultry, meat, unpasteurised dairy products and fresh produce.
Consumption can result in an infection called salmonellosis, which can be fatal.
Typical symptoms of salmonella infection can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.
But for those who are particularly vulnerable – such as young children, older adults and immunocompromised people – it can result in more severe illness such as blood stream infection and sepsis.
The particular variation of salmonella in the current outbreak is S. Enteritidis, the most common type in England.
The Food Standards Agency 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.
What to do if you think you have salmonella
Most people can manage salmonella infection without needing to see a doctor, with the UKSA recommending affected adults take the following steps:
- Stay at home and rest
- Drink plenty of clear fluids, add electrolytes where necessary, and take small sips if you feel sick
- Eat when you feel able to, avoiding fatty or spicy foods
- Take paracetamol if you’re in discomfort
- Avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks, as these can make diarrhoea worse
If you show signs of dehydration, need something to stop diarrhoea for a few hours, or are in a higher risk group, a pharmacist can offer initial advice.
However, if dehydration doesn’t improve with rehydration sachets, you can’t keep fluids down, have bloody diarrhoea, or have diarrhoea that doesn’t reduce in three days, you should call 111.
The health agency adds: ‘Call 999 or go to A&E for more serious symptoms, such as vomiting blood, a sudden severe headache or tummy ache, breathing difficulties, confusion, or blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin.’
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