Egg import controls vital following Brexit
British Lion eggs has welcomed an official report calling for food safety controls on egg imports following Brexit, and urges businesses and individuals to choose British Lion eggs to protect consumers.
Food Standards Agency Report June 2022
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is a government department working to protect public health and consumers' wider interests in relation to food, with responsibilities spanning all aspects of food safety and standards across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In a joint annual review of food standards with Food Standards Scotland published last month, Our Food 2021 calls for official assurance from countries exporting food items to the UK that they meet high British standards.
Control of egg imports
The Report states that:
““To enhance levels of assurance on higher-risk EU food like meat, dairy and eggs, and food and feed that has come to the UK via the EU, it is essential that improved controls are put in place… It is vital that the UK has the ability to prevent entry of unsafe food and identify and respond to changing risks.””
British Egg Standards
The British Lion is the UK's most successful food safety scheme. All eggs that carry the British Lion mark have been produced under the stringent requirements of the British Lion Code of Practice, which ensures the highest standards of food safety. The code covers the entire production chain and ensures strict food safety controls including the guarantee that all hens are vaccinated against Salmonella, and a ‘passport’ system ensuring that all hens, eggs and feed are fully traceable. The scheme is independently audited to ISO17065.
Responsible egg supply
British Egg Industry Council Chairman Andrew Joret confirms that British Lion eggs fully endorses the finding of this important report. “There have been ongoing food safety issues associated with non-UK eggs for many years and it is essential that effective food safety controls are in place for imports to ensure British consumers are protected from any potential risks, particularly vulnerable groups.”
Joret goes on to state that until there are sufficient quality controls on egg imports “any operator choosing to sell imported eggs is taking a gamble with the health of their customers.”
For more information on how we promote healthy hens and eggs, contact Humphrey Feeds & Pullets at enquiries@hfandp.co.uk or call us on 01962 764555.
