Policy response to Salmonella risk profile of UK-produced hen shell eggs

Why was the risk profile commissioned?

The FSA and FSS provide advice to consumers and industry on the consumption of eggs, especially with respect to vulnerable groups, and the risks associated with Salmonella from UK-produced hen shell eggs.  

This advice is based on the risk assessment conducted by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) in 2016.

Following a number of outbreaks of Salmonella associated with UK-produced hen shell eggs, and reports of changes in industry practice, FSA and FSS wanted to determine whether these were significant enough to consider the need for an updated risk assessment by the ACMSF.  

To inform our decision making, FSA and FSS commissioned a risk profile summarising the changes since 2016 that may influence the risk posed by Salmonella from UK-produced hen shell eggs.

Conclusions of the risk profile

The conclusion of the risk profile included:

• There was limited new evidence in the scientific literature with regards to Salmonella in eggs and the egg production environment since the previous risk assessment
• The prevalence levels have not returned to the high levels seen in the 1980s and 1990s, before vaccination was introduced
• The total number of outbreaks and cases linked to consumption of eggs and egg products per year has not changed significantly since the 2016 ACMSF risk assessment
• Since 2016, the oldest flocks have increased from 60/70 weeks to 80/90 weeks old
• A number of packing centres have made a change from single use cardboard trays to transport eggs, to re-usable plastic trays, which should be disinfected between use
• Overall, analysis of Salmonella in UK-produced hen shell eggs does not indicate a need for a risk assessment at this time

Risk management response

FSA and FSS risk managers have reviewed the risk profile and concluded that the 2016 ACMSF report on the risk of Salmonella from eggs does not require an update at present. Their conclusion of the risk profile is that the risk of Salmonella from UK-produced hen shell eggs has not significantly changed. FSA and FSS will however continue to monitor the hazard.