The UK Health Security Agency has urged Brits to practise good food hygiene in light of this (Image: Getty)
Consistently high levels of Salmonella have been detected across England, new data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows. The UKHSA has since urged people across the country to practice good food hygiene.
Salmonella cases increased slightly from 10,389 in 2024 to 10,406 in 2025, the highest number in a decade. The UKHSA said Brits must take precautions against these bacteria, which are among the most common causes of food poisoning. Those most vulnerable include young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Those most vulnerable include young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems (Image: Getty)
The Government noted that most infections are caused by contaminated food such as poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit or vegetables and unpasteurised milk products.
The infection can spread through close contact with an infected person, particularly in household settings, such as cross-contamination in the kitchen when the same utensils are used for both raw and cooked food.
Although cases have increased only slightly from the previous year, the figures have risen significantly over five years, from 4,770 in 2020.
Campylobacter cases are also significantly high in England, falling slightly from 70,392 in 2024 to 69,394 in 2025.
Listeriosis, usually caught from eating contaminated raw, chilled, or ready-to-eat foods, remained comparable to previous years’ numbers. The numbers rose only slightly, with 179 cases reported in 2024, compared with 181 in England and Wales in 2025.
While generally a low-risk infection, listeriosis can cause serious illness in older people, with the latest data showing cases were highest among people aged 80 and over.
Those with underlying health conditions or who are pregnant are also at higher risk, as this can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborn babies.
The UKHSA said: “All of these gastrointestinal infections can cause similar symptoms, including diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, vomiting, and mild fever.
“Most people recover within one to two weeks, but young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness or complications.”
It added that these groups “should take extra care, as they are at higher risk of developing serious illness.”
The NHS website said food poisoning is most common when food is not cooked or reheated thoroughly, is not stored correctly (such as in the fridge or freezer), or is handled by someone who is ill and has not washed their hands.
The medical experts also warn against eating food past the “use by” date.
Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said: “We are seeing consistently high levels of gastrointestinal infections in England. We continue to work closely with partners to detect, investigate, and stop the spread of these infections.”
Dr Godbole further explained how these infections spread. He said: “These infections spread in many ways – through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person, or contact with infected animals or their environment.
“Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet, handling raw meat, eating, and contact with animals or farms, can help prevent infection.”
The expert advised Brits on what to do if they are experiencing any symptoms.
“Anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others, should not return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.”
