The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has instructed businesses to withdraw and recall eggs supplied by a Ukrainian food business after investigations detected Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
The alert applies to caterers, food manufacturers, wholesalers and other businesses that may have the affected eggs in stock. Consumers who have purchased the products are also being urged not to eat them because they may pose a health risk.
The affected eggs are distributed mainly through wholesalers and the catering sector, although some may have been sold through small retail shops. The FSA has clarified that the products are not sold by major supermarket chains.
Consumers Told to Dispose of Affected Eggs
Under the Food Alert for Action, businesses must remove the affected eggs from the supply chain immediately. Where the products have already been sold to consumers, retailers are expected to arrange a recall.
Anyone who has bought eggs covered by the alert should not consume them and should dispose of them at home.
The agency issued the warning following egg sampling carried out during an investigation into a Salmonella outbreak believed to be associated with imported eggs.
Contaminated Eggs Linked to 36 Salmonella Cases
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that samples from eggs supplied by one Ukrainian business tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis.
Whole genome sequencing was used to examine the bacteria and compare it with strains associated with the outbreak already under investigation. The analysis showed that the strain detected in the imported eggs was genetically different from those outbreak strains.
However, the strain was associated with 36 cases of Salmonella infection reported in England in 2026, prompting further food safety action.
The findings highlight the importance of identifying contaminated food products even when the bacteria detected do not match the strains linked to a separate ongoing outbreak investigation.
FSA Says Urgent Measures Are Needed to Protect Public Health
Jacquelyn McCormick, the FSA’s head of incidents, said the agency had taken urgent steps after identifying Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs imported from Ukraine.
She stressed that the action was directed specifically at eggs from one Ukrainian business and confirmed that UK-produced eggs were not affected.
McCormick said the affected products were supplied primarily through wholesalers and catering businesses, although some had also been available through small retailers.
She urged businesses to follow the recall instructions and advised consumers not to eat the eggs covered by the alert.
UK-Produced Eggs Remain Unaffected
The FSA has reassured consumers that eggs produced in the UK are not covered by this particular alert. Eggs sold in major supermarkets are generally produced in the UK and are therefore not affected by the specific warning, according to the agency.
The FSA said its usual food safety advice remains in place for eggs outside the recall.
Eggs should be thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults should continue to eat raw or lightly cooked eggs only when they carry the British Lion mark or have been produced under the Laid in Britain scheme.
UKHSA Explains How Salmonella Is Detected
Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, said the agency identified the bacteria during testing conducted as part of its wider Salmonella investigation.
She explained that the information was immediately shared with the FSA so that appropriate measures could be taken to protect public health.
Charles also highlighted the role of whole genome sequencing in investigating infections. In England, Salmonella detected in patients receiving care in hospitals or primary care is routinely analysed using this method, helping authorities identify and investigate potential outbreaks.
The technology allows scientists to compare bacterial strains and establish whether infections may be connected.
Salmonella Can Cause Serious Illness in Vulnerable People
Salmonella infections commonly cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. Symptoms often improve within a few days without specific treatment, although some cases can become more serious.
According to UKHSA, the infection can occasionally lead to complications such as sepsis and may require hospital admission.
Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.
The health agency is therefore urging the public to follow the FSA’s instructions and avoid eating any eggs covered by the recall.
Authorities Continue Investigation Into Imported Eggs
The FSA is working with local authorities to ensure that businesses act quickly on the alert and that affected products are removed from circulation.
The agency is also reviewing broader measures connected with the source of the current outbreak and cooperating with international partners as investigations continue.
Although the strain found in the Ukrainian eggs did not genetically match the strains associated with the outbreak under investigation, its link to 36 reported infections in England has led authorities to take precautionary action.
Consumers and businesses are being advised to check the official Food Alert for Action for details of the affected products and follow the recall instructions.
