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update:Nov 20, 2006
Imported eggs: One box in 30 infected with Salmonella
The UK Food Standards Agency has published the results
of survey into imported eggs retailed in England, which showed that Salmonella
was present in around one box in every 30 (3.3 percent).
Salmonella enteritidis was the most common type of Salmonella found in the
UK FSA study.
Eggs from eight European countries were collected for the tests, with almost
two-thirds of the eggs collected originating in Spain. Spain also had the
highest number of contaminated eggs - with an estimated one in every eight
boxes. Most of the contaminated eggs came from just three farms.
The findings help provide an indication of where contamination is
occurring, and how best to target interventions to reduce Salmonella problems in
the UK. Only around 10% of eggs in the UK are imported and most of these are
used in the catering trade.
Dr Andrew Wadge, Director of Food Safety at the FSA said: “The vast
majority of eggs we eat in the UK are Salmonella-free. However, this survey
shows that problems with Salmonella in eggs have not gone away. The
European Commission
(EC) has taken a lead in setting targets for reducing Salmonella in laying
flocks and moving to requiring compulsory vaccination in countries with a high
prevalence of contaminated flocks.
“In the UK vaccinating flocks against Salmonella has been
successful.â€
Editor WorldPoultry
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