Imported Eggs Linked to Salmonella Outbreak Sickening Nearly 80 People Across Two Years
A multi-year Salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs from Ukraine has sickened 78 people across England and Wales since December 2024. Microbiological testing conducted by the UK Health Security Agency uncovered the contamination in a batch of eggs from Yasensvit, part of the Ovostar Union Group.
The outbreak involves 36 infections recorded in 2025 and another 40 illnesses confirmed in England during 2026. Two additional cases have been identified in Wales. Affected patients range in age from infants under one year old to a 99-year-old, with a median patient age of 30 years. Females account for 39 of the confirmed infections. Regional distribution shows heavy concentrations in London with 32 cases, followed by 24 cases in the East of England.
Microbiological Testing and Tracing the Contaminated Eggs
Investigators isolated the pathogen after the UK Health Security Agency sampled nearly 3,000 eggs as part of a large Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak with 700 patients connected to imported eggs. In October, testing of pooled egg samples from the Ukrainian producer confirmed the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis. Whole genome sequencing at a reference laboratory matched isolates from the tested eggs to the strain causing the human infections.
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The implicated eggs were stamped with the farm code 3UA1012066. Records show the sampled batch was laid and packaged on August 23, bearing a best-before date of September 19. Health authorities collected the samples on September 23, four days past the expiration date. In response to the findings, the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland instructed businesses to stop using them.
Regulatory Inspections and Producer Response
The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection announced plans to inspect the company in Kyiv. Inspectors intend to collect product samples for laboratory testing to verify the data transmitted by British authorities. Yasensvit previously cautioned the public against drawing premature conclusions prior to the establishment of all factual findings.
Separate from the retail distribution cases, health officials traced a distinct cluster to a June 2026 outbreak involving six diners at a restaurant in Yorkshire and the Humber where non-UK eggs were used for certain dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Egg-Borne Salmonella Investigation
What specific egg code should consumers and businesses check for?
Affected eggs from Yasensvit are stamped with the production code 3UA1012066. The Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland have directed businesses to stop using them.
When did the infections occur and who has been affected?
The 78 confirmed cases span sample dates between December 17, 2024, and September 26, 2026. Patients range in age from under one year to 99 years old, with 32 cases located in London and 24 in the East of England.
How did authorities confirm the link to Ukrainian eggs?
The UK Health Security Agency tested pooled egg samples collected on September 23, 2026. Reference laboratory testing using whole genome sequencing confirmed that the isolates matched the specific strain of Salmonella Enteritidis found in the human infection cases.