With the UK–EU SPS reset deal still on everyone's mind, let’s look at which diseases are on the continent this month. Without border controls in place, what diseases and outbreaks would find their way into GB unchecked?
Salmonella Outbreak
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), alongside the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other public health partners, continues to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis t5.9411 in the UK.
The latest investigations suggest the outbreak may be linked to eggs imported into the UK from abroad, with cases associated with eating out at small cafés, restaurants and takeaway businesses.
As of 25 August 2026, there have been 259 confirmed cases and one death linked to this cluster. Sample dates for these cases range from 11 August 2025 to 8 August 2026.
While there are currently no official restrictions on imports, Port Health Authorities are sampling many commodities under the National Monitoring Plan (NMP), including eggs and egg products.
The samples are chosen at random, and consignments are released pending results. While the importer does not need to hold the goods until sample results are received, this is only advice; if results are unsatisfactory, it would be easier for the inland authority and importer to deal with the consignment. Legally, however, the importer may distribute or use the goods for their intended purpose, as the consignment has been validated for import into GB.
If unsatisfactory results are received for any sampling under the NMP, a Border Notification will be issued, and the Food Standards Agency would follow up on the consignment inland.
African swine fever (ASF) import restrictions: EU member states
Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) applies import restrictions on some wild and domestic porcine (pig) commodities from EU member states with ASF.
You cannot import porcine semen to Great Britain from any area of an EU member state affected by ASF.
Import restrictions for other products depend on their origin and local restrictions. Great Britain recognises the following ASF restricted zones applied by EU member states.
Restricted zone I (RZI)
An RZI is an area neighbouring an RZII or RZIII.
From an RZI, you cannot import:
An RZII is an area with confirmed ASF outbreaks in wild porcine animals (pigs).
From an RZII, you cannot import:
An RZIII is an area with confirmed ASF outbreaks in kept (domestic) porcine animals (pigs).
From an RZIII, you cannot import:
Small Hive Beetle in Italy (Lazio, Sicily, Calabria)
The UK has suspended imports of bees, apiculture products, and used beekeeping equipment into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) from the regions of Lazio, Sicily and Calabria in Italy. This is due to an ongoing outbreak of small hive beetle. These measures are necessary to protect domestic bee health in the UK.
As always, our bulletin highlights the key areas of current concern for GB imports. Other animal and animal-product imports may also be subject to restrictions. If you are unsure about the requirements for your consignments, please contact EORI (UK), where our specialist technical team can provide tailored advice and guidance.
Please note that the information provided is accurate at the time of publication but may change over time.