New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal a significant year-on-year rise in campylobacter and salmonella infections in England, prompting renewed warnings about food safety and hygiene.

Campylobacter cases increased by 17.1% between 2023 and 2024, rising from 60,055 to 70,352 cases – the highest figure recorded in the past 10 years.

This equates to 121.9 reports per 100,000 population, with adults aged 50–79 accounting for nearly half (44%) of all cases.

Salmonella infections also rose by 17.1%, with 10,388 cases reported in 2024 compared to 8,872 in the previous year. Children under 10 years old were disproportionately affected, comprising 21.5% of cases.

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Both bacteria are commonly transmitted via contaminated food – particularly poultry, meat, eggs, raw produce and unpasteurised dairy products – as well as through contact with infected individuals and inadequate kitchen hygiene.

Experts at the UKHSA and Food Standard Agency (FSA) are investigating further with partner agencies to understand the reasons behind this increase in cases.

Meanwhile, cases of cryptosporidium – a parasite infection of animals which can be passed onto humans, commonly through contaminated food or water – fell by 16.4% to 5,708 in 2024.

However, the government agency said this still represents the second highest level recorded in the past decade, with spikes in April linked to lambing events, petting farms and a mains water outbreak in South Devon.

The 2023 figures for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) show a slight decline of 2.2% from 2022, largely due to the absence of a major STEC O157 outbreak. However, non-O157 STEC cases rose by 14% – likely the result of increased polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in diagnostic labs.

All these gastrointestinal infections can cause similar symptoms, including diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, vomiting and mild fever.

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While most people recover within one to two weeks, young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications.

In severe cases, STEC infection can lead to haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening kidney condition.

Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said: ‘Our extensive surveillance is showing high levels of gastrointestinal infections in England.

‘We continue to work closely with partners to detect, investigate and halt the spread of infections.’

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Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, said: ‘The FSA works closely with UKHSA and other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data.

‘We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in Campylobacter and Salmonella cases, as well as trends in other pathogens. This analysis will help us take the necessary action to protect public health.’