Salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs: one death reported as hundreds fall ill across the UK
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed 207 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infection across the UK in 2026, with one death reported in connection with the outbreak. Investigators believe the Salmonella outbreak is linked to eggs imported from outside the UK and supplied to restaurants, cafes, and catering establishments.
Our specialist food safety lawyers are investigating the impact on individuals who may have been affected and are currently accepting potential claims.
What is the Salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs?
The 2026 UK Salmonella outbreak involves 207 confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infection, one reported death, and a significant number of hospitalisations, including patients who developed bloodstream infections. According to public health authorities, the majority of cases occurred during 2026, with London recording the highest number of cases in England. Investigators have identified a number of food businesses visited by affected individuals before they became ill, although those venues have not been publicly named.
Are we investigating potential claims?
Yes. If you suffered symptoms of Salmonella infection after eating food from a restaurant, café, takeaway, market stall, or other food establishment, you may be entitled to compensation.
Our team is currently reviewing potential claims arising from:
- Consumption of contaminated eggs or egg-containing dishes
- Failures in food safety procedures
- Cross-contamination within catering establishments
- Supply chain failures involving imported food products
- Breaches of food safety regulations resulting in illness or injury
We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who developed symptoms after consuming food that contained eggs, including dishes such as fried rice, noodles, cakes, desserts, mayonnaise-based products, and breakfast items.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacterial infection commonly associated with contaminated food. It can cause serious illness and, in vulnerable individuals, may require hospital treatment or lead to life-threatening complications.
Symptoms can include:
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Headaches
- General fatigue
While many people recover within a few days, some individuals require hospital treatment. The UKHSA has reported that a significant number of cases required hospital treatment, and several patients developed bloodstream infections.
Who may be eligible to bring a Salmonella claim?
You may have grounds for a Salmonella compensation claim if:
- You became ill after eating food contaminated with Salmonella
- Medical evidence supports a diagnosis of Salmonella infection
- Other individuals who ate the same food also became unwell
- Investigations establish that a food business, supplier, or manufacturer supplied you with contaminated food (which you consumed)
Each case will depend on its own facts and evidence.
What compensation could be claimed?
Salmonella compensation claims may cover a range of financial and personal losses, including:
- Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
- Loss of earnings
- Medical and treatment expenses
- Care and assistance provided by family members
- Travel expenses
- Other financial losses resulting from illness
In the most serious cases, claims may arise where long-term complications have developed following infection.
How our food safety lawyers can help
Our specialist food safety lawyers are closely monitoring developments in the UKHSA and Food Standards Agency investigations into this Salmonella outbreak.
If you have suffered Salmonella infection after eating at a restaurant, café, catering establishment, or food market, and you believe it may be connected to this outbreak, please contact our food safety team to discuss whether we can assist.
Contact us
Michelle Victor, Partner
E: mvictor@leighday.co.uk
T: 020 7650 1286