Egg industry alarm as salmonella cases near 500

Nearly 500 salmonella cases and two deaths linked to outbreaks potentially associated with imported eggs have prompted calls for tougher import controls.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) alongside the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other public health partners, is investigating three genetically distinct clusters of salmonella enteritidis, which have all seen increased case reporting since June.

As of 25 August, the three clusters had recorded a combined 474 confirmed cases.

See also: Imported eggs under fire after salmonella outbreak

The largest cluster has recorded 259 cases and one death, while a second has recorded 38 cases and one death. A third cluster has recorded 177 cases and no deaths.

Investigations suggest all three could be associated with imported eggs, although the exact causes have not yet been identified.

Damaging UK reputation

Gary Ford, head of strategy at the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, said the organisation was “extremely concerned” the situation remained ongoing and unresolved.

“The fact that this incident is still being discussed in the national media is damaging to the reputation and image of eggs and risks undermining all of the hard work put in by farmers over many decades to ensure that British eggs are among the safest in the world,” he said.

However, Mr Ford said UKHSA needed time to conclude its investigation so the cause could be identified and lessons learned.

NFU Poultry Board chairman Will Raw described the outbreak as a “wake-up call” and urged the government to strengthen import controls, increase testing of imported eggs and establish core production standards applying equally to domestic and imported food.

“We cannot continue allowing food produced to standards that would be illegal in the UK to enter our market unchecked,” he said.

Food safety advice

Professor Ian Young, chief scientific adviser for the FSA, said investigations had identified links to imported eggs but stressed: “There is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected.

“Our food safety advice remains the same: eggs that are thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically should not present a food safety risk.”

The FSA said infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults should only eat raw or lightly cooked eggs carrying the British Lion mark or produced under the Laid in Britain scheme.

When eating out and the origin of eggs is unknown, vulnerable consumers are advised to ensure they are thoroughly cooked and avoid dishes containing raw or lightly cooked egg.

A Defra spokesman said food imported into Great Britain must comply with “strict safety standards”.

“We know there is a clear demand for high-quality British eggs and in our approach to trade, we will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage,” he added.