The United Kingdom is investigating a salmonella outbreak that may be connected to imported eggs. The UK Health Security Agency has begun examining a recent rise in confirmed infections, with early evidence suggesting that eggs brought into the country could be involved.
Egg-related salmonella outbreaks have a long history in Britain. In December 1988, then-health minister Edwina Currie sparked a major political controversy after saying that much of the country’s egg production was affected by salmonella. Egg sales fell sharply, large numbers of hens were culled, and Currie eventually resigned.
The current outbreak appears to be different because investigators are focusing on eggs imported from outside the UK, according to AOL. At this stage, health officials have not confirmed a connection to eggs produced domestically.
Salmonella bacteria live in the digestive systems of humans and animals, including birds. People can become infected after eating contaminated eggs, poultry, raw or undercooked meat, or certain other foods. Unpasteurized milk can also be a source of infection.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most healthy people recover without specific treatment, often within about a week. However, infections can become more serious in people with weakened immune systems, particularly if the bacteria spread beyond the intestines. In severe cases, antibiotics or hospital treatment may be required.
The outbreak has affected people across all four nations of the United Kingdom, according to foodmanufacture.co.uk. Genetic testing has indicated that the infections are closely related, suggesting that those affected were exposed to a common source.
Investigators have reportedly interviewed 114 people as part of their effort to determine what is causing the outbreak. Eggs emerged as the strongest common factor, with some patients reporting that they had eaten egg-containing dishes at several businesses. Those businesses may obtain eggs from multiple suppliers, including sources outside the UK.
Genetic testing has also reportedly identified similarities between the current salmonella strain and one associated with an earlier outbreak involving imported eggs. Investigators are continuing to trace suppliers and examine businesses to determine whether the outbreaks share a source.
There is currently no confirmed link between the outbreak and eggs produced in the UK. Eggs carrying the British Lion mark come from hens vaccinated against salmonella and are produced under a program that includes additional testing, hygiene and traceability requirements.
Vaccination of laying hens against salmonella expanded during the 1990s, while the British Lion Scheme was introduced in 1998. Those measures helped substantially reduce the risk associated with domestically produced eggs and strengthened the ability of authorities to trace products when problems occur.
Salmonella can also spread from person to person through contamination involving fecal matter, making proper handwashing particularly important. Good kitchen hygiene, careful food preparation and proper handling of raw ingredients can further reduce the risk of infection.
People who are particularly vulnerable to serious infections should follow medical advice regarding food safety and egg consumption. Consumers eating away from home can also check food hygiene ratings when choosing restaurants, cafes and other food businesses.
Health officials are continuing laboratory testing, inspections and sampling as they attempt to identify the source of the contamination. Establishing where the suspected eggs originated will be an important part of the investigation and could allow authorities to remove affected products or take other measures to prevent additional illnesses.
For now, the exact country of origin of any eggs involved has not been established, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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