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Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
People cooking runny eggs told to look for one symbol before tucking in
Anyone cooking soft, runny eggs is being urged to check one important symbol before eating. Here's everything you need to know about the British Lion mark on eggs Anyone preparing soft, runny eggs is advised to look for one crucial symbol before tucking in. Eggs displaying a British Lion mark guarantee they've been laid by hens immunised against Salmonella and produced to the most rigorous food safety standards. This red logo should appear on the shell itself, plus on the carton next to the use-by date. It's particularly vital that pregnant women, the elderly and other at-risk groups, including babies and youngsters, only consume runny eggs bearing this marking. It comes after a doctor's warning to people who drink even a 'single cup of tea'. Thoroughly cooking eggs, such as hard-boiling them, destroys any Salmonella germs that might be lurking, but lightly boiled eggs with gooey yolks that aren't completely cooked can still contain Salmonella. Therefore, people are being told to only eat runny eggs produced under the Lion Code standards with a British Lion stamp, as these have been protected against Salmonella through vaccination. If an egg lacks this marking, it is recommended that those with compromised immune systems who face greater infection risks and could experience more severe food poisoning symptoms only consume fully cooked eggs, reports the Express. Food Standards Scotland states: "People who are in good health (those who are not vulnerable to infection) are unlikely to experience food poisoning through consuming UK hen eggs. Therefore, people in this group can eat raw or soft-boiled UK hen eggs, or foods containing lightly cooked UK hen eggs. "People who are more vulnerable to infection or who are likely to suffer more serious symptoms from food poisoning need to be more careful. This includes young children, pregnant women and elderly people. "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. Dishes or food made with raw/lightly cooked eggs include mayonnaise, soufflé and tiramisu for example. "If the eggs are not Lion Code or Laid in Britain, or if in doubt, people who may be more vulnerable to infection are advised to eat eggs thoroughly cooked." Almost 90% of eggs in the UK are now produced within the Lion scheme, with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) updating its advice following a review in 2016. This means anyone, including pregnant women, babies, and the elderly, can now enjoy dippy eggs safely, provided they have the British Lion mark on them. Following the change in advice, Heather Hancock, Chairman of the Food Standards Agency said: "It's good news that now even vulnerable groups can safely eat UK eggs without needing to hard-boil them, so long as they bear the British Lion mark. "The FSA has thoroughly reviewed the scientific evidence about the safety of these eggs, and we're confident that we can now change our advice to consumers. "The major reduction in the risk of salmonella in Lion eggs is testament to the work carried out by egg producers. The measures they've taken, from vaccination of hens through to improving hygiene on farms and better transportation, have dramatically reduced salmonella levels in UK hens."
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
From folding in half to swollen hands – the 8 signs of killer virus in China sparking global outbreak fears
The virus gets its name from a word meaning 'that which bends up' or 'doubled-up', in reference to the stooped posture of victims hunched over in pain VIRAL ALERT From folding in half to swollen hands – the 8 signs of killer virus in China sparking global outbreak fears Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HEALTH chiefs in China have reimposed strict, Covid-esque restrictions in a desperate bid to contain a virus that leaves victims disabled. More than 7,000 people have been struck down by the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus in China's biggest ever outbreak of the crippling disease, experts have warned. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 A worker sprays insecticide at a public housing estate following reports of imported cases of Chikungunya in Hong Kong, China Credit: Reuters 7 The majority of cases have been reported in Foshan, a city in southern Guangdong province. It is here where officials have rolled out Covid-style crackdowns in a bid to stop the virus from spiralling out of control. At least 12 other cities in the southern Guangdong province have also reported infections. On Monday, Hong Kong reported its first case - a 12-year-old boy who developed symptoms after travelling to Foshan in July. Although the disease is rarely fatal, it can cause excruciating joint pain, fever, rashes and swelling, especially in the hands and feet. In response, authorities in Foshan have launched emergency mosquito control operations, including mass insecticide spraying, public health alerts, and door-to-door inspections. Those with chikungunya must stay in hospital, where their beds will protected with mosquito nets. They can only be discharged after they test negative or at the end of a week-long stay. Here is what you need to know about the disease. What is chikungunya and what are the symptoms? Although rare in China, chikungunya outbreaks are common across South and South East Asia and parts of Africa. What is Chikungunya The virus, which is spread by the Aedes mosquito - also known as the tiger mosquito, was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and has since been reported in over 110 countries. Most people who get bitten by an infected bug will develop symptoms within three to seven days. Dr César López-Camacho, from the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, said: "Although chikungunya rarely causes death, it can be extremely uncomfortable and disabling." Typical symptoms include: Excruciating joint pain, which can leave victims hunched or folded over in agony High fever Headache Muscle aches Nausea Fatigue Red, bumpy rash Swelling in the joints, particularly the hands and feet In severe cases, the joint pain can mimic arthritis, leaving sufferers temporarily disabled for months or even years. 7 Patient with joint deformities of the hands 6 years after confirmed chikungunya virus Credit: SehatHub 7 The virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito - also known as the tiger mosquito because of its stripy body Credit: Alamy The virus gets its name from a word meaning 'that which bends up' or 'doubled-up', in reference to the stooped posture of victims hunched over in pain. Most people recover within a week, but some may require hospital care, especially if complications like organ damage arise. The virus can attack vital organs including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys, triggering dangerous inflammation and tissue damage. Its intense inflammatory response can also harm the lungs, skin, and joints, worsening symptoms and increasing the risk of serious complications. Those most at risk of severe illness include newborn babies, older adults, and people with underlying conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Is there a treatment or vaccine? There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, but medics can treat the symptoms by giving medicines to lower fevers or ease muscle pain. Two chikungunya vaccines have recently been approved for use in the UK - although one is under safety review for older people. Those are mostly targeted at travellers and are not widely available in the countries most affected by chikungunya. Once someone has recovered from chikungunya, there is evidence to suggest they have lifelong immunity. Unlike malaria-carrying mosquitoes, called Anopheles, tiger mozzies are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Experts warn that the best way to prevent its spread is to eliminate pools of stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Brits travelling to China amidst the outbreak should "be cautious", Dr César added. He continued: "The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 travel alert, recommending travellers use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation. "Travellers returning from affected areas who develop fever and joint pain should seek medical attention and mention their recent travel." People travelling to high-risk areas where outbreaks of the virus often occur can get vaccinated against chikungunya at a travel clinic. 7 Insecticide being sprayed outside a Foshan hospital Credit: Getty 7 It is China's biggest outbreak of the disease Credit: Getty Is chikungunya in Europe? The WHO warned last month that chikungunya could soon affect billions across the globe - as it tears through parts of the Indian Ocean and edges closer to Europe. The health watchdog said it was seeing the same warning signs as in the last major outbreak two decades ago, when nearly half a million were infected worldwide. Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO's technical lead on the virus, said the bug is now spreading from Indian Ocean islands into Africa, Asia and Europe, and urged countries to act now to avoid billions falling ill. "We are seeing history repeating itself," she explained "Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk," Dr Diana said. In Europe, officials are especially concerned about a spike in imported cases, and signs of the virus being transmitted locally. Since May 1, there have been around 800 imported chikungunya cases in mainland France, Dr Diana revealed. Even more worrying, there have been 12 local transmission episodes in several regions of southern France - meaning people were infected by mosquitoes in Europe, not while travelling. A case has also been detected in Italy, while the WHO says suspected cases have cropped up in other parts of the continent. Last year, Europe saw a sharp surge in mosquito-borne diseases - including dengue, West Nile, and malaria - with some infections doubling in just 12 months. In places where people have little or no immunity, up to three-quarters of the population can become infected, the WHO warned. "The case fatality rate is less than one per cent, but when you start counting millions of cases, that one per cent can be thousands," Dr Diana said. 7 The WHO warned chikungunya could soon affect billions across the globe Credit: Getty How concerning is this outbreak? Though tactics adopted by authorities in China hark back to lockdown measures five years ago, chikungunya "does not pose the same level of pandemic threat as a virus like Covid-19", according to Prof Tom Solomon, director of The Pandemic Institute in Liverpool. Dr César López-Camacho, from the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, added: 'It is extremely unlikely to cause a pandemic in the traditional sense, as chikungunya does not spread from person to person. "However, it can cause large regional outbreaks, especially when introduced to mosquito-rich, low-immunity settings, like what we are probably seeing in China." The risk to the UK from this outbreak is "currently low" as Aedes mosquitoes, which tend to carry the virus, aren't widespread here. "But we do need to watch closely, as climate change and global travel are expanding the range of these mosquitoes, and with it, the viruses they carry," Dr López-Camacho warned. 'It is also important that genetic sequencing of the virus in this outbreak is carried out. "In past outbreaks, mutations have helped chikungunya adapt to new mosquito species. "If the virus has changed, we need to ensure current vaccines still offer protection." Brits travelling to China amidst the outbreak should "be cautious", the disease expert said. He continued: "The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 travel alert, recommending travellers use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation. "Travellers returning from affected areas who develop fever and joint pain should seek medical attention and mention their recent travel." People travelling to high-risk areas where outbreaks of the virus often occur can get vaccinated against chikungunya at a travel clinic. But Prof Solomon noted: "There have been reports of serious side effects in people over the age of 65. "As such, the vaccine is currently recommended for travellers under 65 visiting high-risk areas."
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Daily Record
'Do not eat' warning issued for popular condiment that 'may contain pieces of metal'
There is a "physical contamination risk" in the product, which can be returned for a full refund. An urgent recall has been issued for a condiment due to a "physical contamination risk". Customers have been told "do not eat" a particular batch of the spread as it may contain "pieces of metal". Daylesford Organic have urged customers to return their Cacao Double Nut Butter as it is "unsafe to eat" due to the potential presence of metal ball bearings. Daylesford run several stores in London and the Cotswolds. They also supply some other products to around 50 Marks and Spencer stores across the UK, including a number in Scotland. The Food Standards Agency (FSA), who regularly issue recall warnings about potentially dangerous products, have confirmed this is an England-specific recall. The choking hazard and contamination is for batch 230625, which is a 230g jar of the Cacao Double Nut Butter with a best before date of 02/2027. Any shoppers who have bought the product with this information have been told not to eat it. Instead, they should return it for a full refund. And if customers have any queries about the product then they should contact Daylesford Organic directly on 01608 731700. In their warning note to customers, the food firm said: "We are recalling Daylesford Organic Cacao Double Nut Butter because of a physical contamination risk in the product. "This product may contain metal ball bearings, which presents a choking hazard and makes it unsafe to eat. "Check if you bought this product. Best before: 02/2027. Batch: 230625. Do not consume and return for a full refund. For more info, please call 01608 731700." Issuing their own advice to customers, the FSA added: "If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund." The FSA's alerts about food products usually fall under two categories; products that are 'withdrawn' and others that are 'recalled'. If there is an issue with a product that means it should not be eaten, the FSA will issue advice. Withdrawn products are removed from shelves, whereas customers are asked to return recalled items to the store. The FSA website states: "The FSA issues Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food. "In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. On Wednesday, August 6, we told how the FSA had issued a recall for a cream product that could cause a rash, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Multimedia UK recalled its European Food Viva Cream Snacks. The product contains milk, which isn't mentioned on the label. This means that they pose a number of potential health risks for those with allergies. The alert is specific to Scotland, England, and Wales. Allergic reactions can cause a series of issues from irritating but smaller scale things like sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes, to more serious problems like feeling or being sick, stomach pain, diarrhoea or constipation. And a certain brand of herbs sold at popular supermarkets were also recalled. Various O'Hanlon Herbs Potted Coriander products were whipped from shelves amid concerns they may contain Listeria monocytogenes As well as the O'Hanlon-branded products, which include a batch sold at Lidl, similar Marks and Spencer and Tesco coriander products have also been included in the recall.
