Latest news with #BritishLionCodeofPractice
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Shoppers warned to look out for tiny sign on eggs to avoid catching salmonella
Vulnerable people should never eat eggs without the sign. Eggs are a household favourite. They can be used on their own to make a simple meal or as part of a variety of dishes, including soufflés, cakes or even ice cream. As healthy as eggs are to eat, shoppers are being urged to check for one small detail on the shell in the hope of avoiding salmonella. A salmonella infection is caused bacteria that live in the gut of many birds and animals. It can cause human gut infections and the diarrhoea can be severe lasting several days. People who plan to eat eggs raw or lightly cooked should be mindful of the red British Lion mark on eggs. This is stamped on more than 90% of eggs sold in the UK and highlights the eggs are part of the British Lion scheme, one of the most successful food safety programmes in the country, according to The hens which produce these eggs in the scheme are all vaccinated against salmonella. The Express reports British Lion Code of Practice production process, from farm to supermarket, follows strict safety standards. The code ensures traceability, hygiene, and safety at every stage. Since it launched in 1998, more than 200 billion British Lion eggs have been sold, and the risk of salmonella in UK eggs has been 'drastically reduced'. Food Standards Scotland says that vulnerable groups, including young children, pregnant women, and elderly people, can safely eat raw or lightly cooked hen eggs, but only if they carry the British Lion stamp or come from the Laid in Britain scheme. 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. The agency's website reads: '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.' This includes dishes like mayonnaise, soufflés and tiramisu. However, if the eggs are not part of these schemes, or if there's any doubt, they should always be thoroughly cooked, especially for people at greater risk. Food Standards Scotland also warned that eggs should never be eaten past their best before date, which is usually no more than 28 days after they were laid. After this point, the risk of bacteria growing increases. The British Lion scheme only covers hen eggs. People are being advised not to eat raw or lightly cooked duck, goose or quail eggs, as these carry a higher risk of salmonella and must always be cooked thoroughly. British Lion eggs are widely available in major supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, and Waitrose.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
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. 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.
