The United Kingdom is currently grappling with a concerning public health alert after four individuals developed multidrug-resistant Salmonella infections, directly linked to an eggshell membrane supplement. This urgent development underscores the critical importance of food safety and rigorous product oversight, prompting a wide-ranging investigation into the source of contamination and its potential wider impact.
Public Health Scotland is spearheading the comprehensive probe into this cluster of Salmonella Othmarschen and Salmonella Enteritidis cases. The investigation focuses on an eggshell membrane food supplement, specifically marketed and sold online, which has been identified as the likely conduit for these severe foodborne illness outbreaks. Authorities are working diligently to trace the distribution network and ascertain the full scope of the contamination.
Geographic analysis reveals two confirmed cases in Scotland, one presenting with Salmonella Othmarschen and the other with Salmonella Enteritidis, alongside two additional patients in England, both infected by the resilient Salmonella Enteritidis strain. This geographic spread highlights the potential for widely distributed products to impact consumers across different regions, necessitating a coordinated national response to protect public health.
The implicated product, an eggshell membrane supplement from the company Orgenism, was subjected to a significant recall in July due to confirmed Salmonella contamination. This recall encompassed all batch codes of the capsules, packaged in a 60-count, 500-mg per serving size, which were distributed through prominent online platforms including Amazon, eBay, and Orgenism’s official website, emphasizing the reach of this food safety recall.
These supplements are frequently consumed by individuals adhering to fitness regimes and older adults, primarily due to their purported benefits for joint health and overall longevity. However, paradoxically, elderly individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions face a significantly elevated risk of developing severe or invasive salmonellosis, making this particular contamination especially concerning for vulnerable populations.
Laboratory testing of the isolated Salmonella Enteritidis strains has revealed an alarming multidrug resistance profile. These strains exhibit resistance to critical antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, fosfomycin, and colistin. This antibiotic resistance presents a significant challenge for medical professionals, as it complicates treatment protocols and increases the risk of more severe illness.
In light of these findings, consumers who may possess the recalled Orgenism eggshell membrane supplement have been issued explicit disposal instructions. It is crucial not to discard the product in domestic trash or flush capsules down toilets, as this could spread contamination. Instead, individuals are advised to contact their local health protection team for guidance on safe and proper disposal methods to mitigate further public health alert risks.
Orgenism has responded by requesting consumers to refrain from disposing of the capsules in household waste or down sinks, reinforcing the need for specific handling. The company is actively facilitating the return process by offering free pre-paid return envelopes. Consumers seeking these envelopes are encouraged to email team@orgenism.com to arrange for postal delivery, ensuring the responsible management of the affected products.
