The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that a salmonella outbreak, which has resulted in one death and 207 recorded cases, may be linked to eggs imported from outside the UK. Households are being urged to check their eggs for the Red Lion symbol and an eight-digit code to help reduce the risk of infection.
Outbreak details and symptoms
Between August 11 last year and August 1 this year, 207 cases have been recorded across the UK: 199 in England, six in Scotland, one in Wales, and one in Northern Ireland. More than a third of those affected (38%) required hospital admission, and two individuals developed potentially life-threatening bloodstream infections.
Salmonella typically causes a self-limiting gastroenteritis, with symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever. The infection poses a particular risk to those with weakened immune systems and the elderly. In a single year, salmonella has claimed the lives of 33 people across the UK at the last count.
How to check if your eggs are safe
To verify whether your egg is safe to consume, look for the Red Lion symbol alongside an eight-digit code. The code breaks down as follows: the first number (0-3) indicates the farming method – 0 for organic, 1 for free range, 2 for barn, and 3 for cage. The next two letters indicate the country of origin, such as UK. The following five digits are the farm code, identifying the specific farm where the eggs came from. Beneath that is the standard best-before date, for example BB 15APR.
It is worth noting that eggs can still be eaten past their best-before date, which differs from a use-by date. They simply will not be quite as fresh, but consuming them after the best-before date does not make them any more likely to cause salmonella.
The British Lion scheme and food safety
The British Lion scheme represents the UK's primary defence against salmonella in eggs. According to Egg Info: "The British Lion is the UK's most successful food safety scheme. Over 90% of UK eggs are now produced under the British Lion scheme and more than 200 billion British Lion eggs have been sold since its launch in 1998."
"All eggs that carry the British Lion mark have been produced under the stringent requirements of the British Lion Code of Practice which ensures the highest standards of food safety. The code covers the entire production chain and ensures strict food safety controls including the guarantee that all hens are vaccinated against salmonella and a 'passport' system ensuring that all hens, eggs and feed are fully traceable."
The scheme has been responsible for a drastic reduction in the presence of salmonella in UK eggs. The Food Standards Agency has recently confirmed that British Lion eggs are approved to be consumed runny, or even raw, by vulnerable groups.
UKHSA response and prevention advice
Hannah Charles, lead epidemiologist for gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said: "We're working with Food Standards Agency and other public health agencies to investigate a salmonella outbreak that may be linked to eggs imported from outside of the UK."
"Salmonellosis is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food and can be spread rarely from person-to-person. Salmonella generally causes a mild illness, although vulnerable groups with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness. Symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should contact their GP or out of hours service in the first instance."
"There are simple steps to prevent the spread of salmonella: wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing and handling food, cook food thoroughly, and if you have any symptoms, avoid handling food for others where possible."
