A microbiological survey of salmonella contamination of non-UK produced shell eggs on retail sale
A microbiological survey of salmonella contamination of non-UK produced shell eggs on retail sale
Area of work
The Food Standards Agency has launched a survey to gather information on salmonella contamination in non-UK eggs on retail sale in the UK.
Salmonella is one of the five key organisms against which the Agency is monitoring progress in reducing foodborne disease. However little is known about the prevalence of salmonella in eggs sourced from outside the UK. Health Protection Agency data has indicated that these eggs might be the source of salmonella in a number of egg related outbreaks.
objectives
The main objective of the survey is to determine the prevalence of salmonella contamination of non-UK produced shell eggs. Samples will be taken from London and the north west of England, where a large proportion of egg importers are situated.
2,500 boxes of six eggs will be sampled and tested over a period of 15 months subject to review every 3 months to ensure that enough eggs are being sampled to establish accurate salmonella levels.
duration
March 2005 to August 2006
Expected reporting date
A final report was be published in late 2006 and details can be found at the link below.
contractor
Health Protection Agency