Salmonella cases reach highest levels in a decade
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Cases of salmonella infections have reached their highest levels in a decade, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
Salmonella infections increased by 17.1% from 2023, from 8,872 cases in that year to 10,388 cases in 2024, the agency said.
Similarly, campylobacter cases increased by 17.1%, from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024 - reaching nearly 120 reports per 100,000 people.
Salmonella and campylobacter infections are typically caught by eating contaminated food, including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, as well as unpasteurised milk products, the UKHSA said.
Infection can also occur through close contact with infected people and by cross-contamination in the kitchen, for example when utensils are used for both cooked and uncooked foods.
The agency said it wanted people to take precautionary measures against catching the bacteria, which it said are common causes of food poisoning.
It said young children, elderly adults and those with weakened immune systems "should take extra care" as they are at higher risk of developing severe illness.
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