UK egg assurance scheme calls for clear, accurate messaging as Salmonella investigation continues
Consumers, caterers and health professionals are being reminded that Laid in Britain assured eggs, as well as British Lion eggs, are recognised within Food Standards Agency (FSA) advice for people wishing to eat raw or lightly cooked eggs.
The United Kingdom Egg Producers Association (UKEP), which operates the Laid in Britain (LIB) food safety and hen welfare assurance scheme, is calling for greater clarity following widespread media coverage of an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis.
At the outset of the investigation, the FSA said evidence had identified links to eggs imported from outside the UK, mainly used in foodservice and catering establishments, as a potential source. Importantly, the FSA stated that there was no evidence UK-produced eggs were affected.
The FSA also specifically advised that infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults should only eat runny or raw eggs if they carry a British Lion mark or are produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme.
UKEP is concerned that subsequent media reporting has frequently referred only to British Lion eggs, potentially leaving consumers, caterers and health professionals unaware that Laid in Britain is also recognised within FSA safety advice.
A proven alternative for independent British egg producers
Laid in Britain was established specifically for independent egg producers, packers and retailers, providing a recognised food safety and welfare assurance route for businesses outside the Lion scheme.
Its Code of Practice has been developed with reference to the FSA's control measures for shell eggs considered to present a very low risk of Salmonella and requires producers to undergo independent auditing before joining, followed by robust annual independent audits.
Crucially, not a single Laid in Britain scheme egg has tested positive for Salmonella since official testing began, giving the scheme an exceptional food-safety record.
A ‘belt and braces’ approach to Salmonella
Laid in Britain's approach goes beyond relying on a single control measure.
Its Salmonella programme combines vaccination, stringent biosecurity and adherence to HACCP principles with competitive exclusion, using feed and water supplementation designed to encourage beneficial gut bacteria and help suppress potentially harmful pathogens.
This multi-layered approach is designed to protect flock health and minimise the risk of Salmonella throughout the production process.
Laid in Britain farms are independently audited and eggs are fully traceable back to their producer, giving consumers, retailers and caterers confidence in where their eggs have come from and the standards under which they have been produced.
The scheme's Code of Practice has been reviewed by the Food Standards Agency, which has continued to endorse Laid in Britain eggs as presenting a very low risk of Salmonella contamination.
Consumers deserve the full picture
Rob Gauld of the United Kingdom Egg Producers Association said:
“At a time when consumers are understandably concerned about Salmonella, it is vital that the information they receive is complete and accurate.
“The Food Standards Agency's advice does not recognise only one British egg assurance scheme. It specifically includes both British Lion and Laid in Britain eggs for vulnerable groups wishing to consume raw or lightly cooked eggs.
“Independent British egg producers operating under Laid in Britain meet stringent food-safety requirements, are independently audited and have an exceptional record on Salmonella.
“We want consumers, caterers, retailers, healthcare professionals and the media to understand that when they see the Laid in Britain mark, they can buy and use those eggs with confidence.”
UKEP is also stressing the distinction between independent government food-safety advice and industry marketing organisations.
The British Egg Information Service (BEIS), which is frequently quoted in media coverage concerning eggs, is not a government agency or food-safety regulator. It was established by the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), the organisation responsible for the British Lion scheme.
UKEP is therefore urging media organisations, caterers and health professionals discussing official egg-safety guidance to refer directly to Food Standards Agency advice and to accurately reflect its recognition of both qualifying assurance schemes.
Supporting independent British egg production
With the current investigation highlighting potential links to imported eggs, UKEP believes there has never been a more important time to recognise the high standards achieved by assured British producers.
Laid in Britain provides independent egg businesses with a robust assurance scheme built around food safety, traceability, flock health, biosecurity and independent auditing.
For consumers and professional buyers, the message is simple:
Look for assured British eggs – and remember, Laid in Britain counts too.
