Foodborne illness outbreaks surge in the US and UK

The United States is experiencing a significant surge in foodborne illnesses, with approximately 10,500 illnesses reported so far in 2026. This figure is substantially higher than the annual average of 1,500 illnesses recorded between 2021 and 2025. A massive Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce is the primary driver, with at least 9,481 illnesses reported across 17 states.

In the United Kingdom, food safety incidents reported to the Food Standards Agency rose by 14% to 2,073 incidents during the 2025/26 period. Recent high-profile recalls in the UK include Salmonella-contaminated fruit pots at major supermarkets, chocolate products with undeclared allergens, and milk containing veterinary medicines. Experts suggest these incidents often stem from gaps in data communication and supply chain management.