Salmonella outbreak 

The UKHSA is currently monitoring cases of Salmonella Enteritidis in England that have been linked to imported eggs. The outbreak was first identified in May and through June and July the number of reported cases increased. At the time of writing there were 3 confirmed outbreak clusters involving 3 genetically distinct but related variations, all linked to imported eggs. A multi-country outbreak has been seen across Europe and in England, cases have been identified in all regions, affected several hundred people and resulting in 2 deaths. A small number of cases have also been identified in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, but to a much lesser extent. The general advice remains that the risk remains low to the general public and there is no evidence that eggs that carry the ‘British Lion mark’ or are ‘Laid in Britain assured’ are affected. Further information and updates can be found on the government’s Salmonella outbreak update webpage. 

Guidance is also available on RIAMS Libraries to support officers who may be involved in investigations:  

• Salmonella Investigation Aide-Memoire (FP27)  

• Infectious Disease and Foodborne Illness Outbreak Procedure (FP17) 

• Specimen Collection for Infectious Disease Sampling (FP28) 

Food Safety and the Decline of the Generalist EHO 

In this 8-minute read, experienced EH Journalist Will Hatchett, explores the biggest proposed changes to food regulation in a generation and what they could mean for local authority enforcement. Faced with workforce shortages, the Food Standards Agency is introducing more flexible, risk-based regulation, greater use of remote assessments and new qualification pathways. While these reforms may help address capacity challenges, Will warns that overreliance on data, AI and desk-based controls could weaken professional judgement, local accountability and the broad public health expertise that EHPs bring to food safety enforcement. Read Will’s article here.