Health officials in Canada and the United States are closely monitoring a deadly salmonella outbreak in the United Kingdom that has prompted warnings for under‑five children and pregnant women to steer clear of runny eggs when eating out.
UK health warning on runny eggs
Vulnerable groups, including children under the age of five and pregnant women, have been urged to avoid eating raw or runny eggs while dining out due to an outbreak of Salmonella in the UK.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the UK Health Security Agency issued this urgent warning after one person died and over 200 people fell ill from food poisoning.
Health officials believe the outbreak is linked to contaminated eggs imported from outside the UK that are being used by restaurants, cafes, and takeaways.
Pregnant women, those over the age of 65, those with health conditions and young children, have been told to avoid runny eggs and freshly‑made products that might contain eggs such as mayonnaise or souffle.
However, well‑cooked eggs in restaurants are fine to eat, the FSA says.
It is believed that imported eggs and dishes containing them are behind the outbreak.
Salmonella cases have jumped in London.
Ian Young, chief scientific adviser for the FSA, said: "If people are eating out or consuming eggs or egg‑containing products from cafes and restaurants then for those people in particular who are young, elderly, pregnant or vulnerable, it is important to make sure that any eggs or egg products that you consume in those settings have been very well cooked."
Salmonella is a bacteria that usually lives in the intestines of humans and animals. An infection can be caught by swallowing the bacteria, which happens when invisible traces of animal or human faeces contaminate what people eat, drink or touch.
The bug generally causes stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting or fever.
In most cases people recover without medical help but older people, babies and people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.
More than a third of people affected (38%) in the outbreak were admitted to hospital, with two people developing potentially life‑threatening blood stream infections.
Mr Young added that the FSA is working closely with the UKHSA and other agencies to investigate the outbreak.
"The exact cause has not yet been identified, however, investigations so far have identified links to eggs imported from outside the UK, mainly used by food service and catering establishments such as restaurants or cafes, as a potential source," Prof Young said.
Relevance for Canada and the United States
Canadian public health officials have reminded Canadians traveling to the UK to follow the same precautions, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an advisory to monitor imported egg products for similar contamination.
Both countries regularly import eggs from Europe, so the outbreak underscores the importance of stringent testing at the border.
Travelers and diners in Canada and the United States are advised to ensure eggs are fully cooked, mirroring the UK guidance.