The British Egg Industry Council has issued an urgent warning to UK food businesses following concerns over the rising number of imported eggs being seen in foodservice.
With egg imports rising significantly since the start of the year, the industry body has warned of an influx of eggs produced to lower food safety standards than the British Lion.
The BEIC said “alarm bells are ringing”, which could lead to an increase in the type of food safety outbreaks like those seen across Europe.
Concerns are particularly high as there was a major salmonella outbreak in the UK linked to imported Polish eggs last year.
The body has called on all food businesses to check the eggs they’re sourcing meet British Lion standards.
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“We’re seeing a worrying rise in imported eggs entering the UK, many from countries where food safety issues have arisen,” said BEIC CEO Nick Allen. “These eggs don’t get close to matching the safety standards of British Lion eggs.
“Last year, eggs from Poland were directly linked to salmonella cases here in the UK, and there are ongoing serious issues in Europe involving eggs from Ukraine and elsewhere.”
This is particularly important for vulnerable groups including babies, young children, pregnant women and older people as British Lion eggs can be eaten runny by all, unlike imported eggs.
“It is never a good time to take risks with food safety, but the risks are even higher at present,” added Allen. “The advice from the Food Standards Agency is very clear, British Lion eggs are approved to be served runny to these groups. Imported eggs are not.
“We are urging food businesses to check their egg sourcing very carefully. Their reputation, and more importantly, their customers’ health, could depend on it.”
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