What is salmonella, how does it spread and are eggs safe to eat?
UKHSA says imported eggs eaten in restaurants are source of outbreak that has infected more than 200 people Contaminated eggs have infected 207 people with salmonella across the UK, killing one and hospitalising 34. Eggs imported into Britain and eaten in cafes and restaurants were the source, the UK Health Security Agency has said. The outbreak has prompted public concern. But what is…
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified imported eggs as the source of a salmonella outbreak that has infected over 200 people in the United Kingdom, with one fatality and 34 hospitalizations. Salmonella is not a single bacterium but rather a group of bacteria that can cause infection in humans, with over 2,500 types identified.
Most cases in the UK are caused by a few of these types, commonly found in contaminated animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. However, salmonella can also spread through contaminated drinking water, contact with animals, person-to-person transmission, or poor food hygiene and preparation.
Symptoms of salmonella infection include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours to a few days and can last for a few days. In most cases, individuals recover without treatment. However, some people may need antibiotics, particularly those in vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, those with weakened immune systems, or those with underlying health conditions.
Severe cases can result in a bloodstream infection, leading to severe sepsis-like illness, which is more common in these vulnerable groups.
Experts advise that consumers should choose eggs carefully, preferably those produced in the UK and carrying the red lion mark, as they come from hens vaccinated against salmonella. To avoid salmonella, it is recommended to cook eggs and egg-containing dishes until both the yolk and white are firm, or to a temperature of 71°C. It is also important to avoid cracked or broken eggs and those with visible residues. Washing eggs before use is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of contamination.
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- What is salmonella, how does it spread and are eggs safe to eat? theguardian.com
