Salmonella risk profile of UK-produced hen shell eggs

Abstract

A previous risk assessment (Opens in a new window) from the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) in 2016 concluded that due to the significant reduction in the risk from Salmonella in UK-produced hen shell eggs produced under a recognised farm assurance scheme (Lion Code or equivalent), the risk to consumers from eggs produced under these schemes was ‘very low’. This risk assessment led the FSA and FSS to update their consumer advice on the consumption of eggs in 2017, stating that vulnerable groups could consume raw or runny eggs produced within an assurance scheme. This risk profile will examine the current situation of Salmonella in UK-produced table eggs, and the factors that may influence the current risk of Salmonella in UK-produced eggs and highlight any that have changed since the risk assessment provided by the ACMSF in 2016.