25/08/2026
Public Service Announcement: Salmonella Outbreak & Egg Safety
🚨 HEALTH ALERT: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Imported Eggs in the UK 🚨
The health and safety of our Liberty Wing families and community is our top priority!
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) are currently investigating an ongoing nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis. Over 200 cases have been identified, with a strong link to eggs imported from outside the UK.
Here is what you need to know to protect your household, practice safe kitchen hygiene, and recognize the symptoms.
📊 The Facts
The Source: Current evidence points to imported eggs primarily used in restaurants, cafes, catering outlets, and the food service industry when dining out.
UK Eggs are Safe: There is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry. Eggs marked with the British Lion logo or produced under the Laid in Britain assurance scheme are safe to eat!
The Impact: This outbreak has affected people of all ages across the UK, with more than a third of those sickened requiring hospital care.
How to Protect Yourself & Your Family
1. Look for the Lion: When buying eggs at the Commissary or local British supermarkets, look for the British Lion mark or the Laid in Britain logo on the carton and the eggshells.
2. Cook Eggs Thoroughly: Ensure eggs are cooked until both the white and the yolk are firm. Thorough cooking kills Salmonella bacteria.
3. Be Cautious Dining Out: When eating at local restaurants, cafes, or ordering takeout, ask staff if their dishes contain raw or undercooked imported eggs (such as in homemade mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, tiramisu, or runny fried/poached eggs).
4. Practice Strict Kitchen Hygiene:
• Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap after handling egg packaging or raw eggs.
• Clean all kitchen surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards immediately after they come into contact with raw eggs.
• Store eggs in the fridge and keep them separate from other ready-to-eat foods.
⚠️ Special Guidance for Vulnerable Groups
Infants and children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised) should avoid eating raw or runny eggs altogether unless they are guaranteed to be British Lion or Laid in Britain marked.
🤒 Know the Symptoms of Salmonella
Symptoms typically develop between 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and can include:
• Diarrhea (which can sometimes be bloody)
• Stomach cramps / abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache and body aches
🏥 What to Do if You Feel Unwell
Most people recover from Salmonella food poisoning within a few days without medical treatment. However, if you or a family member are experiencing symptoms, please use the following guidelines to get the right care:
🚨 WHEN TO CALL OR BE SEEN IN THE CLINIC: If you are experiencing severe, persistent, or worsening symptoms—such as a high fever, inability to keep fluids down, signs of dehydration, bloody stools, or if the ill individual is in a high-risk category (under 5, over 65, pregnant, or immunocompromised):
📞 Call the 48 MDG: Contact your Primary Care Manager (PCM) or the appointment line at Commercial: 01638 528010 to schedule an appointment.
💻 WHEN TO USE PORTAL MESSAGING: If your symptoms are mild, improving, or if you simply have general, non-urgent questions for your healthcare team:
📩 Message Us: Send a secure message directly to your primary care team via the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. This helps keep our phone lines clear for patients requiring immediate clinical triage or appointments.
For more information visit the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) website on Salmonella: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/salmonella/salmonella
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