The Food Standards Agency has issued a warning about runny eggs amid a salmonella outbreak, with 207 confirmed cases. Vulnerable groups, including children under five and pregnant women, are advised to avoid undercooked eggs when eating out. Supermarket eggs with the British Lion mark remain safe.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 22 AUGUST 2026
- FSA warns vulnerable groups to avoid runny eggs when eating out.
- 207 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis confirmed, one death.
- Supermarket eggs with British Lion mark are safe.
- Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever.
KEY FACTS
- 207 confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis.
- One person has died.
- 38% of infected required hospital treatment.
- Cases may be linked to imported eggs.
- Symptoms appear within 12 to 72 hours.
If you are in one of the vulnerable groups, the practical step is simple: when eating out, ask for eggs to be well cooked and avoid dishes made with raw egg. British Lion eggs cooked thoroughly at home are not the focus of this warning.
What the FSA has warned
The Food Standards Agency has advised people in vulnerable groups to avoid runny or undercooked eggs when eating out, following a salmonella outbreak. The advice is aimed at settings where the origin of the eggs is not always known, such as restaurants and cafes.
The warning was issued after the UK Health Security Agency confirmed an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis. Health officials said the cases may be linked to eggs imported from outside the UK, which are mainly used in food service and catering. The FSA has stressed that the guidance applies to eating out rather than to eggs bought for home cooking.
For those in the affected groups, the FSA has advised against soft-boiled and poached eggs when dining out. The agency has also highlighted foods that contain uncooked egg, including mayonnaise, mousse, souffle and hollandaise sauce, as potential sources of infection in catering environments.
The scale of the outbreak
The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed 207 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis, with almost all reported in 2026. One person has died and around 38% of those infected required hospital treatment.
The cases were recorded between 11 August 2025 and 1 August 2026. The majority of infections were identified during 2026, indicating a sustained period of transmission. Health officials have linked the outbreak to imported eggs used in the food service sector.
Salmonella infection typically causes stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 72 hours of exposure to the bacteria. The severity of illness can vary, with some people experiencing mild symptoms while others require medical attention.
Who should take extra care
The vulnerable groups named by the FSA are children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions. These groups are advised to avoid runny eggs and foods containing raw egg when eating out.
For these groups, the FSA has specifically advised against soft-boiled and poached eggs in restaurants, cafes and other catering settings. The same caution applies to dishes that contain uncooked egg, such as homemade mayonnaise, mousse, souffle and hollandaise sauce served away from home.
The advice is more cautious for these groups because salmonella infection can be more severe in people with weaker immune systems or other vulnerabilities. Pregnant women and young children are also at higher risk of complications from the infection.
What is still safe to eat
The FSA has said it remains safe to eat soft-boiled eggs that carry the British Lion mark and are bought from supermarkets or similar sources. The caution centres on eating out, where the egg source is not always clear.
British Lion eggs are produced under a strict assurance scheme that includes vaccination of hens against salmonella. Eggs bought from retailers and cooked at home can therefore be eaten soft-boiled or runny without the same level of concern.
For everyone, cooking eggs until both the white and the yolk are firm removes the risk of salmonella infection. This applies regardless of where the eggs were purchased or how they are served. The FSA has emphasised that thorough cooking is the most reliable way to ensure eggs are safe to eat.
What to do if you feel unwell
Most people who contract salmonella recover without specific treatment, but rest and hydration are important. You should contact NHS 111 or a GP if symptoms are severe or persistent, or if the affected person is in a vulnerable group.
Symptoms of salmonella infection include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. These usually develop within 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Most healthy adults recover within a few days without medical intervention, but it is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Medical advice should be sought if symptoms are severe, last longer than expected, or if the affected person is under five, over 65, pregnant, or has an underlying health condition. The FSA and UKHSA have said they will continue to investigate the outbreak and update their guidance as more information becomes available.
RELATED GUIDES
DISCLAIMER
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you feel unwell after eating, or are in an at-risk group and concerned, contact NHS 111 or your GP. Check the FSA and UKHSA for the latest guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the FSA runny eggs warning?
The Food Standards Agency has advised vulnerable people to avoid runny or undercooked eggs when eating out, amid a salmonella outbreak with 207 confirmed cases.
How many people have been affected?
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed 207 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis; one person has died and around 38% needed hospital treatment.
Who should avoid runny eggs?
Children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions, particularly when eating out.
Are supermarket eggs still safe?
Yes; the FSA said soft-boiled eggs carrying the British Lion mark and bought from supermarkets remain safe to eat.
What are the symptoms of salmonella?
Stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, usually appearing within 12 to 72 hours; contact NHS 111 if symptoms are severe.
SOURCES
- FSA: news and alerts – accessed 2026-08-22
- FSA: egg safety and the British Lion mark – accessed 2026-08-22
- UK Health Security Agency – accessed 2026-08-22
