A new survey from The Staff Canteen, the UK’s leading chef network, has found that while British Lion eggs are widely served and their food safety credentials are well understood, there is confusion around serving imported eggs to vulnerable groups.
While 83% of respondents said they use British Lion eggs, and awareness of the world-leading food safety standards of British Lion eggs is strong (90%), there are still significant gaps in knowledge around imported eggs. Shockingly, 37% of respondents were unaware that imported eggs are not approved by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to be served runny to vulnerable groups.
Gary Ford, Chief Executive at the British Egg Industry Council, said: “British Lion eggs are FSA approved so operators can confidently serve them to customers however they like, including runny to vulnerable groups. Imported eggs do not come with the same assurances.
"These knowledge gaps could seriously impact the safety and well-being of any vulnerable groups choosing to eat in these establishments, as well as the reputation of those businesses.
“We strongly urge the hospitality industry to ensure that they are meeting their due diligence requirements and serving British Lion eggs to vulnerable groups."
With ongoing food safety incidents involving eggs and egg products produced outside the UK, food safety expert and British Lion eggs Ambassador, Sterling Crew, emphasised the importance of choosing British Lion eggs: "The safety record of British Lion eggs seems to have left people with the impression that all eggs are safe to serve to vulnerable groups. This is not true and is very concerning - chefs need to think carefully about what’s on the menu. My message is to check every egg, every time to make sure they have the Lion on.
“The British Lion Code of Practice is the most comprehensive food safety scheme I’m aware of and is not only a sensible precaution, but is also a great way to give your customers peace of mind by demonstrating that your business takes food safety and provenance seriously."
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For further information please contact the British Egg Information Service on 020 7052 8899
The British Lion Code:
The British Lion Code of Practice is the UK’s most successful food safety scheme. Around 95% of UK eggs are now produced to British Lion standards and more than 200 billion British Lion eggs have been produced since its launch in 1998. In 2017, the Food Standards Agency confirmed that Lion eggs are safe to be consumed runny, or even raw, by vulnerable groups.
All eggs that carry the British Lion mark meet the stringent requirements of the British Lion Code of Practice which ensures the highest standards of food safety. The independently audited code contains strict food safety controls above and beyond GB/UK and retained EU legislation and covers nearly 1,000 auditable points from Salmonella vaccination to complete traceability of hens, eggs and feed.
The Code of Practice for the Production of British Lion Quality Egg Products ensures that egg products are also produced to the highest standards of food safety.
