More than 80 people across the UK have fallen ill in a salmonella outbreak that investigators believe is linked to deli sausages sold by Tesco. Health officials identified a sudden rise in food poisoning cases earlier this year, with laboratory testing showing that all were caused by the same strain of bacteria, indicating a shared source of infection.

By late February, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had recorded 84 confirmed cases of monophasic salmonella typhimurium. Most of those infected live in England, where 69 cases have been reported. Another 10 cases were detected in Wales and five in Scotland. Patients ranged in age from two to 91 years old.

Several people were hospitalised with the illness and two patients developed bloodstream infections, although no deaths have been recorded.

Investigators found that many of those affected had eaten cured meat products shortly before becoming ill. Further analysis of epidemiological data and supermarket loyalty card records pointed to a ready-to-eat imported pork product sold exclusively at Tesco.

The product in question, Bastides Saucisson Sec, has since been recalled after testing by the supplier, Sacor, detected salmonella bacteria in one batch.

The recall was announced on March 3 after the contamination was confirmed.

A warning issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises customers not to eat the sausage and to return it to stores for a full refund.

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The affected items are 200g packs with a best-before date of March 4, 2026.

According to UKHSA, infections linked to the outbreak were reported between January 7 and February 11.

Authorities are now awaiting further genome sequencing to determine whether the salmonella strain detected in the sausage matches the strain responsible for the illnesses.

The FSA said it is working with international partners to trace the source of contamination.

Health officials have warned that some people may already have consumed the product before the recall was issued.

Customers who develop symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea or stomach cramps are advised to avoid going to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, in order to prevent spreading the infection.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of infected humans and animals and can contaminate food through poor hygiene or improper storage.

Those most vulnerable to severe illness include young children, older people, pregnant women and individuals with underlying health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or liver and kidney disease.

Tesco has been approached for comment.