Food Standards Agency Urges Businesses to Recall Eggs from Ukrainian Supplier Amid Salmonella Enteritidis Contamination Concerns

The Food Alert for Action issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) provides critical guidance primarily aimed at businesses that may possess the affected egg products. This alert calls for the immediate withdrawal and recall of the implicated eggs from the supply chain. While the majority of these eggs are typically utilised within the catering industry, some may still be available for retail purchase in smaller shops, rather than large supermarket chains.

The FSA advises consumers who have purchased any of these affected eggs not to consume them, but rather to dispose of them safely at home, as they may pose health risks.

Investigation into Salmonella Outbreak

Egg sampling was conducted as part of an ongoing investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis, which is believed to be associated with imported eggs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) detected Salmonella Enteritidis in samples from a Ukrainian supplier and performed whole genome sequencing. This analysis indicated that the strain identified does not correspond to the outbreak strains currently being investigated.

Nonetheless, the strain found in the eggs has been linked to 36 reported cases of Salmonella infection in England in 2026.

Public Health Measures and Safety Assurances

Jacquelyn McCormick, the Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency, stated, “We have identified Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs imported from a business in Ukraine and have taken urgent action to protect public health, advising that any affected products in the UK market be withdrawn and recalled. It is important to clarify that eggs produced in the UK are not affected.”

Eggs available in major supermarkets are sourced from UK producers and are therefore not implicated in this outbreak. The concern specifically pertains to eggs from a single Ukrainian supplier, which are mainly distributed through wholesalers and the catering sector, although some may also be found in small retail outlets.

The FSA is urging both businesses and consumers to heed the advice in the Food Alert for Action. Consumers are advised to refrain from consuming these eggs, while businesses must ensure they are removed from sale and recalled if they have been sold at retail.

Ongoing Guidance and Recommendations

The FSA’s guidance regarding eggs not included in the Food Alert for Action remains unchanged: thoroughly cooked eggs, when handled hygienically, should not pose a food safety risk. Vulnerable groups, including infants, young children, pregnant individuals, and the elderly, should continue to consume only raw or lightly cooked eggs that carry the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain scheme.

Efforts to collaborate with the UKHSA and other partners are ongoing as the investigation progresses, with the aim of following the evidence and taking necessary actions to safeguard public health.

Health Implications of Salmonella Infection

Hannah Charles, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, remarked that during the egg testing related to the ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation, the detection of S. Enteritidis (t5.8998) in imported eggs from Ukraine was confirmed, and this information was promptly shared with the FSA to facilitate further food safety actions.

Charles emphasised the importance of adhering to the FSA’s advice outlined in the Food Alert for Action. She noted that while the S. Enteritidis strain identified in this batch of imported eggs is genetically distinct from those strains linked to the current Salmonella outbreak investigation, it is still connected to the 36 cases reported in England in 2026.

In England, any Salmonella detected in patients treated in hospitals or primary care settings undergoes routine analysis using whole genome sequencing, which aids in identifying and investigating potential outbreaks.

Although most Salmonella infections result in symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever—often resolving without medical intervention after a few days—there is a risk of more severe illness, including sepsis, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The FSA is collaborating with local authorities to ensure a swift response to the alert. Additionally, the agency is continuously reviewing broader measures related to the source of the current outbreak and is working with international partners as part of its ongoing investigation.