Lasalocid in eggs: your questions answered

Lasalocid is a feed additive that is used to prevent and treat a parasitic disease in chickens.

European Union rules ban lasalocid from being added to feed that is given to laying hens. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is responsible for enforcing this legislation within the UK.

Lasalocid will only occur in eggs of hens fed on feed containing lasalocid. The VMD’s investigations suggest that a combination of cross-contamination of the feed when it is being mixed at the feed mill, or on the farm, or human error (wrong feed given) are causing these residues.

Lasalocid residues in eggs is not a new problem, and has been monitored by the VMD for some time. The results of the surveillance are published by VMD. However, the maximum level of lasalocid reported in eggs has risen significantly over the past year from 620 micrograms/kilogram in 2002 to 3450 µg/kg in 2003. Only two of the 250 samples contained levels above 3,000 µg/kg.

The levels of lasalocid in eggs do not raise any immediate health concerns for consumers. The Agency will review its advice in the light of new information.

Residues of lasalocid have been found in all egg production systems, including organic production. In 2003 the highest proportion of positive results was detected in samples of free range and perchery barn eggs.

At EU level the safety of lasalocid is being reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The Veterinary Residues Committee’s feed sub group was convened in 2001 to work with industry to address this problem. It has worked with the whole industry to identify and combat poor practices that can lead to contamination.

The FSA has been urging industry to address this problem and is disappointed by its failure to take effective action to eradicate bad practice. It is considering what else can be done, including a survey of eggs with a view to providing people with information and supporting enforcement action where necessary.

The Agency's advice about eating eggs remains the same, but we will keep this under review in the light of new information.

FSA advice is to follow a healthy balanced diet, and for most people this will include a moderate amount of meat, fish and alternatives such as eggs, pulses, nuts and beans. Eggs are nutritious and a good source of protein and some vitamins and minerals.

The FSA doesn't recommend a limit on how many eggs should be eaten. However, we recommend that babies under 6 months should not be fed eggs because of the potential risk of allergic reaction.

Some eggs contain salmonella bacteria, which can cause serious illness, especially among elderly people, babies, toddlers, pregnant women and people who are already unwell. So that means you always need to be careful how you use eggs, but particularly when you are preparing food for one of these groups.

There are three main issues you should be aware of:

• avoiding the spread of bacteria
• cooking eggs properly
• storing eggs safely