Food Standards Agency Polish eggs warning

Eggs are a vital ingredient in any kitchen, but sometimes we can take them for granted. There are many examples where kitchens have been caught out by using imported eggs that are not produced to the same food safety standards as British eggs.

In fact, the Food Standards Agency is considering banning Polish egg and chicken due to rising Salmonella infections from imports.

In a letter sent to Polish authorities, FSA chief executive Emily Miles, and the UK’s chief vet Christine Middlemiss, wrote: "Owing to the significant public health risks, we are considering the options available to us to protect UK consumers."

Food safety expert Sterling Crew comments: “Imported eggs pose a real threat to human health, with at least 2,680 human infections linked to Polish products in recent years.

“To ensure food safety and quality, I always use British Lion eggs for my family and advise food businesses to use them too.

“The independently audited British Lion Code contains strict food safety controls above and beyond EU and UK legislation. It covers nearly 1,000 auditable points from Salmonella vaccination to complete traceability of hens, eggs and feed. British Lion eggs are eggs you can trust.”

Using British Lion eggs can support a good Food Hygiene Rating but one rotten egg could spoil your score.  In this white paper Dr Lisa Ackerley, food safety adviser, explains how the use of British Lion eggs can support a high Food Hygiene Rating and why poor practices relating to egg hygiene could cause a business to receive a lower rating.

The Lion Quality Scheme is important for pasteurised eggs as well as shell eggs. There is a common misconception that non-UK processed eggs can offer similar guarantees of food safety to those produced within the British Lion scheme. When you move away from the controls and guaranteed standards of the British Lion mark, the risk becomes greater.

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