Eggs on the farm of Martyn Blair, 15 Drumlee Road, Ballymoney. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is urging consumers to continue to have confidence in locally produced eggs following reports of a UK-wide Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak potentially linked to imported eggs.
More than 200 cases have been confirmed across the UK, including one in Northern Ireland.
There is no evidence that UK-produced eggs or poultry are affected. The Food Standards Agency has issued information on the safe handling of eggs. It includes advice for those in vulnerable groups, such as infants, young children, pregnant people and the elderly, who should only eat runny or raw eggs that have a British Lion mark or code.
Deputy President Clement Lynch said, “This is a serious food safety issue and it is important that the source is established quickly. There is currently no evidence linking UK-produced eggs or poultry to the outbreak, and consumers should remain confident in locally produced eggs.
“Our producers operate to stringent food safety, animal health and traceability requirements. This outbreak also underlines why equivalent standards must apply to imported food. UK farmers should not be required to meet standards that products entering our market are not expected to match.”
