The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised households to check their eggs for the British Lion symbol and an eight-digit code following a salmonella outbreak that may be linked to imported eggs. One person has died and hundreds have been affected.
Outbreak Details and Symptoms
Between August 11 last year and August 1 this year, 207 cases have been confirmed: 199 in England, six in Scotland, one in Wales, and one in Northern Ireland. Over a third of those affected (38%) required hospital treatment, and two individuals developed potentially fatal blood stream infections.
Salmonella typically causes a self-limiting gastroenteritis, with symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever. It poses particular danger to those with weakened immune systems or elderly people.
How to Identify Safe Eggs
The British Lion is the UK's solution to preventing salmonella in eggs. According to Egg Info, over 90% of UK eggs are produced under the British Lion scheme, and more than 200 billion British Lion eggs have been sold since its launch in 1998. The scheme ensures hens are vaccinated against salmonella and that all eggs are traceable.
To verify your egg is safe, look for the Red Lion symbol alongside an eight-digit code. The first digit indicates the farming method (0 = organic, 1 = free range, 2 = barn, 3 = cage), followed by the country of origin (e.g., UK), and then a five-digit farm code. The best before date is also printed, but eggs can still be consumed beyond this date; they simply won't be as fresh.
Official Response and Prevention
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."
She added: "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."
To prevent the spread of salmonella, UKHSA advises washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing food, cooking food thoroughly, and avoiding handling food for others if you have symptoms.
