The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is investigating a link between a rise in cases of food poisoning in England and Wales this year – and eggs sourced from Spain.

Sky News reports that in the last year there has been an increase in salmonella incidences, which health chiefs and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are investigating in connection with the deaths of two patients in care homes in Sunderland.

A total of 14 clusters of food poisoning cases in England and Wales have been identified and have so far been traced to several catering establishments and one care home.

Cases of salmonella have tripled this year, however, and a total of 433 have been reported to the HPA. In 2008, there were only 137 reported cases. The FSA said the increase had been noticed since mid-August.

‘Although there is no conclusive evidence yet, the clusters may be linked to eggs sourced from outside the UK and used in these establishments,’ said a spokesman.

‘Investigations are ongoing into a possible link to eggs sourced from an approved establishment in Spain – and the UK and Spanish authorities are working in close cooperation to investigate this.’

The FSA added that the incidence of salmonella in eggs in the UK was ‘low’. Salmonella is, however, a common cause of food poisoning in Britain and is linked to poultry that has not been cooked properly, unpasteurised milk and raw eggs.

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