Shoppers urged to check eggs for one small detail to avoid risk of salmonella
Shoppers are being urged to look out for one small detail on their egg cartons to avoid the risk of salmonella, particularly if they are eating them raw or lightly cooked
Eggs are a must-have in the weekly grocery haul, versatile enough for a quick scramble or fry-up to crafting elaborate soufflés, bakes or puddings. However, consumers are being urged to check their eggs for a crucial detail to sidestep the threat of salmonella, particularly if they're keen on consuming them raw or undercooked.
The vital tip is to scout for the red British Lion symbol, which adorns over 90% of eggs retailed in the UK. Egginfo.co.uk highlights that this emblem signifies inclusion in the British Lion scheme, hailed as one of the nation's top food safety initiatives.
Eggs bearing this mark come from hens immunised against salmonella. The entire journey of these eggs, from farmyard to store shelf, adheres to stringent safety protocols as part of the British Lion Code of Practice.
This code guarantees traceability, cleanliness, and security at each phase. Since its inception in 1998, the scheme has seen the sale of more than 200 billion British Lion eggs, and it has "drastically reduced" the incidence of salmonella in UK eggs, reports the Express.
Food Standards Scotland advises that at-risk groups such as little ones, expectant mothers, and the elderly can confidently eat raw or gently cooked hen eggs, provided they bear the British Lion stamp or originate from the Laid in Britain scheme.
The agency's official information states: "People in these groups can eat raw or lightly cooked UK hen eggs or foods containing them as long as the eggs are produced under the Lion Code with a British Lion mark or under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme."
These instructions apply to delectable options like mayonnaise, soufflés and tiramisu. Yet, if eggs do not fall within these certified schemes, or if there is any uncertainty, it is recommended that they be fully cooked, particularly for those who are more susceptible.
Food Standards Scotland has also issued caution, advising against consuming eggs beyond their best before date, typically a maximum of 28 days post-laying, due to escalating risk of bacterial contamination.
Beyond this time frame, the chances of bacterial growth climb significantly.
It's crucial to note that the British Lion accreditation applies solely to hen eggs. The guidance specifies that duck, goose, or quail eggs, which are known for higher salmonella risks, should never be eaten raw or lightly cooked and require thorough cooking.
British Lion-branded eggs are widely stocked across key retailers such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, and Waitrose.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Eggs remain firm for weeks and not watery if stored in unlikely kitchen spot
The best way to store eggs is a contentious issue, while some people prefer to keep theirs in the fridge, others believe keeping them at room temperature is better The debate on the best way to store eggs rages on, with some Brits favouring the fridge and others leaving them out at room temperature. Unlike in the US where eggs must be refrigerated due to a washing process that strips their natural coating, UK eggs retain this layer, leading to varied storage habits. Dean Harper of Harper Fine Dining, known for his fusion of classic French methods and contemporary flair, insists on refrigeration for egg storage. He shared with the Express: "Warmer temperatures and frequent handling can speed up the decline of freshness-that's why it's said to treat your eggs gently." The gourmet chef elaborates, "On the other hand, keeping them consistently cold and undisturbed slows this down, and this method's stuck with me since my early culinary days." Lemons stay fresh for a month if kept in unlikely kitchen location For optimal freshness, Dean advises storing eggs between three and five degrees Celsius in the fridge's main compartment rather than the door. He explains that eggs should avoid the door due to the risk of faster deterioration from temperature changes, a valuable tip he has long adhered to: "Temperature fluctuations from opening and closing the door can cause the whites to break down faster. This is a tip I picked up ages ago, and it truly makes a difference." Watery egg whites can be a sign of ageing, as eggs lose carbon dioxide and moisture over time. Dean pointed out, "As an egg ages, it starts to lose moisture, and this affects the texture. Such changes can be subtle, but even a few days can affect your poached eggs." But it's not all down to the fridge when it comes to keeping eggs in tip-top condition at home. Dean highlighted that Fortnum & Mason always stores its eggs in cartons, explaining, "That's key. The carton helps prevent the eggs from absorbing strong odours from other foods and shields them from light, which can break them down faster." The culinary whizz shared, "What fascinates me is that sometimes, the simplest steps are often overlooked, yet they make all the difference in food quality." British Lion Eggs experts also recommend sticking with traditional egg cartons rather than fancy holders or even the fridge's egg shelf. The carton not only safeguards the eggs but also displays the best-before date. However, Sophie Trueman, UK&I Country Director for Too Good To Go, advises against using this date as an absolute guide for throwing away eggs. Sophie explained that these dates signal when eggs are at their optimal freshness, noting that Best Before dates, unlike Use by or Expiry dates which concern safety, allow for some leeway. A rotten egg will reveal itself once cracked open. Fresh eggs should smell neutral and clean, so if you catch a whiff of something sulphurous or just plain nasty, it's time to bin the egg. If the egg appears and smells alright, you can go ahead with a small taste test. Whip up a tiny bit and give it a try before deciding to consume the entire egg.
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Jamie Oliver's cheese scone recipe takes just 20 minutes in an air fryer
Jamie Oliver's cheese and chive scones can be made from scratch in under 20 minutes, and are perfect to have for lunch with soup, salad or at a picnic. For those craving a bit of home-baked comfort, there's a quick and delightful solution in the form of homemade cheese scones. Jamie Oliver has concocted an effortless cheese and chive scone recipe that promises to go from mixing bowl to plate in less than 20 minutes, making it an ideal companion for your lunchtime soups, salads or an al fresco snack. The celebrated chef introduced these scones in his title 'Jamie's Air Fryer Meals', claiming you can prep them in a mere eight minutes before zipping them into the air fryer for another dozen. He said: "Let me show you how well you can bake in the air fryer - this is a brilliant little recipe that I know you're going to love." READ MORE: Teeth whitening solution 'removes stains' quickly in time for summer holidays Oliver assures us that these savoury treats will hit the spot, boasting a unique texture: "These savoury scones are absolutely delicious - crispy and golden, but also fluffy inside - and you can knock them together really quickly." How to rustle up cheese and chive scones What you'll need: 200g of self-raising flour 75g of cold unsalted butter 120g of mature cheddar cheese 70ml of milk, plus extra for brushing One teaspoon of baking powder One teaspoon of English mustard powder One bunch of chives (20g) One 200g tub of light cream cheese Olive oilCayenne pepper Salt and pepper Method: Start by sifting flour along with baking powder and mustard powder into a basin, lavishly seasoning with cayenne pepper and sea salt. Cut the butter into cubes then get hands-on, rubbing it into the floor until perfectly blended, creating small flake-like bits, reports the Express. Grate about 100 grams of cheddar and finely chop the chives before dispatching them into the mix. Stir thoroughly, then sculpt a well at the centre. Introduce the milk and combine by hand to form a malleable yet firm dough. Lightly cover a clean countertop with flour and diligently mould the dough into a circular mass, aiming for a three-centimetre thickness, followed by carving out six triangular segments. Gently brush the top of the wedges with a bit of milk, grate over the leftover cheese and then dust with a small pinch of black pepper and cayenne pepper. Smear the inside of the air dryer drawer with one tablespoon of olive oil, pop in the scones and cook for 12 minutes at 180C. Your scrumptious cheesy scones will now be ready to savour and enjoy.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners risk six months jail and 'huge fine' for cutting hedge in June
Many people will have been out in the garden over the weekend, but there's a little known law that could see you hit with a hefty fine or even a prison sentence if you're not careful Garden owners are being warned not to trim their hedges in June, as it could result in an 'unlimited fine' and potentially six months behind bars. A lesser-known law regarding hedges and hedgerows in the UK is in effect from March until August. Despite many likely unintentionally breaking this law over the sunny weekend by getting out their hedge trimmers and secateurs, gardeners could still face penalties due to this obscure environmental regulation. Farm hedgerows are legally protected from being cut between April 1 and August 31, a measure put in place to safeguard nesting birds. While it's technically permissible to trim certain types of domestic garden hedges during this period, if it results in damage or destruction to a bird's nest - whether intentional or not - you're still infringing upon the law, reports the Express. Wood Street Care Leicester warns: "It's illegal to cut your hedges during bird nesting season, which runs from March to August. "Trimming your hedge during bird nesting season can harm or destroy nests, which is detrimental to the birds. It's also illegal to trim hedges on your property if they're taller than 20 metres without permission from the local council." Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's a crime to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it is under construction or in use. This is further supported by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The law is clear: "Wilfully damaging a bird's nest in use or under construction, which also extends to trimming hedges, is a legal offence. The moment it becomes active, it is illegal to destroy it". Violating this ruling could result in an unlimited fine or up to six months behind bars. The RSPB emphasises: "The consequences for the above, even in the event of harm to a single bird, nest or egg, is an unlimited fine, up to six months in jail or both. Suffice to say, it is certainly not a risk worth taking."
