The Food Standards Agency has ordered an immediate withdrawal and recall of eggs from a Ukrainian food business after laboratory tests confirmed contamination with Salmonella Enteritidis, according to a Food Alert for Action issued by the agency.
The recall follows ongoing investigations into a salmonella outbreak thought to be connected to imported eggs. Testing revealed that whilst the strain found in the Ukrainian eggs differs genetically from the outbreak strains currently being investigated, it has been linked to 36 cases of salmonella infection reported in England in 2026.
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed the detection after conducting whole genome sequencing on egg samples from the Ukrainian supplier. The affected eggs are primarily distributed through wholesalers and the catering supply chain, though some may be available in small independent shops.
Supermarket eggs unaffected
Jacquelyn McCormick, Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency, emphasised that eggs produced in the United Kingdom are not affected by the contamination. “Eggs bought in major supermarkets are produced in the UK, and therefore not affected by this outbreak,” she said in a statement.
The agency stressed that the issue relates specifically to eggs from one business in Ukraine. McCormick urged both businesses and consumers to follow the guidance in the Food Alert for Action, warning that the contaminated eggs may be unsafe to eat.
Hannah Charles, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, explained that in England all salmonella detected from patients in hospitals or primary care is routinely analysed using whole genome sequencing, which helps authorities identify and investigate potential outbreaks.
Health risks and symptoms
Most salmonella infections cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever, symptoms which usually resolve without treatment after a few days, according to UKHSA. However, the infection can occasionally lead to more serious illness, including sepsis requiring hospital admission, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
The FSA’s general advice for eggs not subject to the alert remains unchanged: eggs that are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically should not present a food safety risk. Vulnerable groups including infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults should continue to only eat raw or lightly cooked eggs if they carry the British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain scheme.
The Food Standards Agency is working with local authorities to ensure the alert is actioned swiftly and continues to review wider measures relating to the source of the current outbreak, working with international partners as part of its ongoing investigation.
What this means for Poles in the UK
If you shop at major supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda or Morrisons, your eggs are UK-produced and safe. The contaminated Ukrainian eggs are sold mainly through catering suppliers and some small independent retailers, including ethnic food shops that may stock imported products.
Check the origin labelling on any eggs purchased from smaller shops or wholesalers. If you have eggs from Ukraine in your home, dispose of them immediately – do not eat them. Businesses that use eggs in catering, including Polish restaurants, cafés and food manufacturers, should check their supply chain and withdraw any affected product.
If you experience symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting or fever after eating eggs, contact your GP or NHS 111. Vulnerable groups – pregnant women, young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems – should be particularly cautious and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms develop. Full details of the recall are available on the Food Standards Agency website at gov.uk/food-safety-alerts.
