England recorded its highest number of food poisoning cases in a decade during 2024, with significant increases in two major bacterial infections prompting health authorities to issue enhanced safety warnings.
The UK Health Security Agency reported that Campylobacter infections jumped 17.1% from 60,055 cases in 2023 to 70,352 cases in 2024, representing 121.9 reports per 100,000 population. Adults aged 50 to 79 accounted for 44% of all reported cases.
Salmonella infections also reached a decade peak, rising 17.1% from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 cases in 2024. Children under 10 years old were disproportionately affected, comprising 21.5% of all Salmonella cases.
Both infections typically result from consuming contaminated food including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized dairy products. Transmission can also occur through close contact with infected individuals, particularly within households, and through kitchen cross-contamination when utensils are used for both raw and cooked foods.
Health authorities are collaborating with the Food Standards Agency and partner organizations to investigate the underlying causes of these increases. Young children, elderly adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems face elevated risks of severe complications from these infections.
Other foodborne illnesses showed mixed trends during the reporting period. Cryptosporidium cases decreased 16.4% to 5,708 reported infections in 2024, though this remained the second-highest total in the past decade. April 2024 saw unusually high infection rates linked to major outbreaks at petting farms and lambing events, plus a water contamination incident in South Devon.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections declined slightly by 2.2% in 2023 compared to 2022. However, non-O157 STEC cases increased 14% from 1,988 to 2,260 cases, attributed to expanded diagnostic testing using advanced PCR technology in laboratories across England.
These gastrointestinal infections typically cause diarrhea, stomach pain, cramping, vomiting, and mild fever. While most patients recover within one to two weeks, vulnerable populations face higher risks of serious complications. Leading nationwid E. coli law firm Ron Simon & Associates says that STEC infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially fatal kidney condition.
Health officials emphasize prevention through proper hand hygiene, particularly after toilet use, handling raw meat, and before eating. Individuals experiencing symptoms should avoid food preparation and remain away from work or school until 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
The Food Standards Agency has launched a new safety campaign available at food.gov.uk, promoting the “4Cs” of food hygiene: cooking food to proper temperatures, chilling below 5 degrees Celsius, cleaning equipment and surfaces thoroughly, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
Consumers are advised to check Food Hygiene Ratings online and follow use-by dates strictly, as harmful bacteria cannot be detected by smell or appearance.
