Salmonella Outbreak Detected in Imported Eggs, Experts Warn Consumers

One of the most common sources of illnesses that are transmitted through food is salmonella. The symptoms it can cause include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, chills, and even death. Food experts are now advising people to avoid consuming eggs that are imported due to concerns regarding safety issues.

Safety Issues of Poland Egg

(Photo : Pexels/Monserrat Soldú)

In 2020, the safety concerns connected to two food processing enterprises in Poland were brought to light for the first time. Yet, the situation significantly improved due to engagement with the Polish authorities at the time.

On the other hand, according to the letter from the Food Safety Authority (FSA), there has been an increase in concerns regarding the resurgence of illnesses in the United Kingdom related to items imported from Poland since April of this year. Specifically, it highlighted six separate incidents that involved eggs and poultry meat that were imported.

In response to the more than ninety cases of food illness linked to salmonella contamination in Polish poultry products, the Food Standards Agency sent a letter to all local authorities on Wednesday, December 6th, expressing its concerns.

As the risk of salmonella food illness associated with imports of Polish chicken and eggs continues to rise, local authorities and consumers have been recommended to increase the number of inspections they conduct and improve their hygiene standards. Moreover, a second press statement further urges customers to follow safe handling and cooking procedures regarding the 'multiple strains' of salmonella connected to Polish imports, resulting in more than 200 human cases this year.

The FSA has noted that implementing the new Border Operating Model, which will take effect at the end of January, will enable the United Kingdom to increase the number of checks performed on food imports. In addition, the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has expressed its approval of the actions taken by the FSA. It advises everyone who consumes eggs to take precautions and look for British Lion Eggs.

Past Issues on Poland Egg

In 2018, Poland's veterinary service recalled approximately 4.3 million eggs infected with antibiotics. This recall came just a few days after Dutch eggs were removed from supermarket shelves in Germany. After an examination, the authorities ordered that the eggs, available for purchase on the domestic market, be removed. As mentioned, the antibiotic lasalocid was found to have residues at a rate higher than the maximum value permitted, which is the reason for the recall.

Pawel Niemczuk, the head of the Polish veterinary service, noted that the antibiotic was 'erroneously' administered to the feed provided to laying hens on a farm near Poznan. However, a mistake was made, and the antibiotic was accidentally administered to laying hens while fed the feed intended for fattening chickens.

Moreover, German authorities removed a total of approximately 73,000 Dutch eggs from store shelves after it was discovered that they contained fipronil. The same insecticide caused a significant food concern in 2017. Accordingly, the European Union (EU) prohibits fipronil in the food business even though it is commonly employed to eradicate fleas, lice, and ticks from animals. As per the World Health Organization, fipronil can cause detrimental effects on the kidneys, liver, and thyroid glands of individuals when it is consumed in significant doses.