Victim die and nearly 500 fall ill in salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs

Two people have died and 474 salmonella cases have been confirmed across three separate clusters, all linked to imported eggs, with infections rising 25 per cent in a month. The UK Health Security Agency says British cases are connected to meals eaten at small cafes, restaurants and takeaways. At-risk groups — including the over-65s, pregnant women and children under five — are advised to ensure eggs are thoroughly cooked when eating out.

UK-produced eggs are NOT implicated — the Food Standards Agency says there is no evidence domestic supply is affected.

Six other European countries, including France, Germany and the Netherlands, are also reporting cases, with Dutch officials looking at chicken products as a potential source.

FSA chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young warns that diners eating out 'may not know' whether their eggs bear the British Lion mark, leaving thorough cooking as the only safe option for vulnerable people.