The UK's largest producer of duck eggs, Watercress Lane, believes a British Lion-style mark would restore consumer confidence in duck eggs after the recent salmonella outbreak.

Although the Food Standards Agency sets out general handling advice for all eggs, there is no industry standard for duck eggs.

Another health scare such as the salmonella outbreak, which is believed to have led to the death of one person, could "spoil everything for everyone", according to Watercress Lane sales manager Gavin Fisher.

"It's important people know safe duck eggs are available and we're trying to make people aware that we have stringent processes in place," he said.

Watercress Lane, which produces 7.5 million duck eggs a year for clients such as P&O Cruises, already operates its own quality assurance scheme that involves stamping eggs with a Blue Duck quality mark.

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