![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_297936224-4e92.jpg\")
\n\t\tEuropean health researchers have said a Dutch investigation pointed towards chicken meat as a potential source (Picture: Shutterstock \/ Matias Rondinella)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tEuropean health researchers have said a Dutch investigation pointed towards chicken meat as a potential source (Picture: Shutterstock \/ Matias Rondinella)<\/p>\n
A Salmonella outbreak affecting the UK and six other countries around Europe may have spread to chicken, experts have suggested.<\/p>\n
The outbreak, which was first detected in August last year, has already led to one death in the UK while 34 have been hospitalised across all seven countries.<\/p>\n
There have been a total of 207 confirmed British cases with contaminated eggs the \u2018strongest\u2019 possible cause, according to the UK Health<\/a> Security Agency (UKHSA).<\/p>\n Research published last week by the body said: \u2018At this time there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.\u2019<\/p>\n Austria<\/a>, Belgium<\/a>, Denmark<\/a>, France<\/a>, Germany<\/a> and the Netherlands have also reported cases, though the outbreak is hitting the UK and Netherlands hardest.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up for all of the latest stories\t\t\t<\/p>\n Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates<\/a> newsletter or get Breaking News<\/a> alerts the moment it happens. <\/p>\n On Friday, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) again highlighted UK investigations pointing to imported eggs as \u2018the suspected source of infection\u2019.<\/p>\n The organisation added: \u2018The investigation done in the Netherlands in 2026 pointed towards chicken meat, although it is based on a small number of patient interviews.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tWhat is Salmonella?\t\t\t<\/p>\n Salmonella is a bacteria which is spread via contaminated food such as eggs, poultry, meat, unpasteurised dairy products and fresh produce.<\/p>\n Consumption can result in an infection called salmonellosis, which can be fatal.<\/p>\n Typical symptoms of salmonella infection can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.<\/p>\n But for those who are particularly vulnerable \u2013 such as young children, older adults and immunocompromised people \u2013 it can result in more severe illness such as blood stream infection and sepsis.<\/p>\n The particular variation of Salmonella in the current outbreak is S. Enteritidis, which is the most common type in England.<\/p>\n Its assessment reads: \u2018The multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis ST11 remains ongoing, with increasing case numbers since May 2026, particularly in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. <\/p>\n \u2018Epidemiological investigations are ongoing and indicate eggs and chicken products as potential sources of infection. <\/p>\n \u2018More cases are expected until proper control measures are implemented on the source.\u2019<\/p>\n The UKHSA reports that the British outbreak is most prevalent in London<\/a>, which has had 47 cases, and Yorkshire and Humber, which has had 38.<\/p>\n Only eight of the 207 total cases were resident outside England<\/a>, including six in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n \t\t Last week, the National Farmers\u2019 Union (NFU) called for the government to ensure adequate checks are being carried out on all food coming into the country.<\/p>\n Will Raw, chair of the NFU Poultry Board, described the news that the serious outbreak was being linked to eggs from abroad as \u2018hugely concerning\u2019.<\/p>\n He said: \u2018This undermines the excellent work British egg producers have undertaken over decades, adhering to the highest standards, abiding by rigorous testing and building a world-leading reputation.<\/p>\n \u2018Food produced to standards that would be illegal in the UK is still being allowed into our market. This simply cannot be allowed to continue.\u2019<\/p>\n Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more stories like this, check our news page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Fresh,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_309389386-df05.jpg\")
\n\t\tUK investigators believe imported eggs are behind the outbreak (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\nMORE: Chicken wraps urgently recalled over potentially deadly E.coli fears<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: Waterparks forced to close over disgusting \u2018brown challenge\u2019 that is spreading<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: UK tap water tastes especially \u2018musty\u2019 this week \u2014 here\u2019s why<\/a><\/p>\n