Salmonella infections in England have surged to their highest level in a decade, according to new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). There were 10,406 laboratory-confirmed cases of non-typhoidal salmonella in 2025, a 26% increase from the 8,242 cases recorded in 2016. This marks the highest annual total since at least 2015, slightly exceeding the 10,389 cases reported in 2024.
Rising Infection Rates
The rate of salmonella infection has also climbed significantly, from 14.9 per 100,000 people in 2016 to 17.8 per 100,000 in 2025. The UKHSA highlighted that cases remain consistently high, with the bacteria commonly found in contaminated foods such as meat, poultry, and eggs. The agency urged the public to adopt good hygiene habits to reduce the risk of infection, which can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, and high fever.
In addition to salmonella, campylobacter infections also remain stubbornly high. Although cases fell slightly from 70,392 in 2024 to 69,394 in 2025, the numbers are still substantial. Dr. Gauri Godbole, UKHSA's deputy director for gastrointestinal infections, stated: "We are seeing consistently high levels of gastrointestinal infections in England. These infections spread in many ways – through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person, or contact with infected animals or their environment." She emphasised that washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, handling raw meat, eating, and contact with animals can help prevent infection.
Outbreaks and Vulnerable Groups
Foodborne outbreak data published by the agency shows that 13 types of salmonella bacteria caused outbreaks in 2025, leaving 269 people unwell. Of these, 33 required hospitalisation, but no deaths were reported. Four outbreaks occurred across England, while others were linked to specific settings including four restaurants, a takeaway, a hospital, a nursery, and a prison, all of which remain unnamed. Children aged up to nine are most affected by salmonella, and the bacteria affects men and women equally. The highest number of cases occurred in September.
Sources and Prevention
Salmonella and campylobacter infections typically result from consuming contaminated poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit or vegetables, or unpasteurised milk products. Infection can also occur through close contact with an infected person or cross-contamination in the kitchen, such as using the same utensils for raw and cooked food. The UKHSA advises following the four Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination.
Listeriosis Deaths
Separately, listeriosis, another foodborne infection, caused 28 deaths among 181 infected individuals in 2025, along with 13 stillbirths or miscarriages. Caused by listeria bacteria, it is associated with contaminated raw, chilled, or ready-to-eat foods. While most people experience no symptoms or mild stomach upset, it can be severe for older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying conditions. In pregnancy, it can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, or serious illness in newborns.
Dr. James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), said the FSA and UKHSA are investigating why salmonella and campylobacter cases remain high. He advised consumers to use the FSA's food hygiene ratings when dining out and to follow the four Cs of food hygiene to reduce risk.
