Kathmandu— British health officials are investigating a major salmonella outbreak in the United Kingdom that has sickened 259 people and resulted in one death, potentially linked to eggs imported from Ukraine. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated on Thursday that while the exact source remains unconfirmed, imported eggs are suspected as the cause of the infections which have been recorded over the past year and recently spiked. Investigations suggest those infected consumed eggs at small cafes, restaurants, and takeaway businesses.

Rising Case Numbers and Hospitalizations

The UKHSA reported 259 confirmed cases of salmonella infection across the country over the last year. Nearly half of those affected – ranging in age from infants to individuals in their nineties – required hospitalization, highlighting the severity of the outbreak. The agency noted a recent increase in cases, prompting further investigation into potential sources.

Ukrainian Eggs as Primary Suspect

While UKHSA has not definitively identified the source, a senior official involved in a parallel salmonella investigation in the Netherlands indicated that British investigators are operating under the “working hypothesis” that the contaminated eggs originated in Ukraine. The cases involve three closely related strains of salmonella, suggesting a common origin. The UK imports 11% of its eggs, with Ukraine being the largest supplier, providing nearly one-third of those imported.

Food Safety Concerns and Import Policies

The current outbreak follows similar incidents earlier this year involving Ukrainian food products. In July, EU health authorities linked a salmonella outbreak affecting over 100 people in multiple member states to Ukrainian-made instant noodles, while Azerbaijan’s food safety agency detected the bacteria in a shipment of frozen chicken from Ukraine several months prior. Despite the reimposition of trade barriers by the European Union last year, tariff exemptions on Ukrainian eggs exported to Britain remain in place until 2028.

Public Health Guidance Issued

Ian Young, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Food Standards Agency, has advised the British public to avoid consuming fried eggs with runny yolks while the salmonella outbreak continues. The UKHSA assures that domestically produced eggs are safe and unaffected by the current investigation.

UK health officials continue to investigate the source of the outbreak and urge caution regarding egg consumption in commercial establishments.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.