Information published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has listed the top food safety concerns related to imported egg products.

The risk profile identifies the main hazards associated with shell eggs and egg products imported into the United Kingdom. It covers liquid, dry, cooked, and preserved egg products.

Through expert judgement and inclusion criteria, 22 hazards were shortlisted. Microbiological hazards included Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and non-typhoidal Salmonella, such as Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium.

Chemical hazards were agricultural contaminants (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, pyrrolizidine alkaloids), biocides (fipronil, chlorate), environmental contaminants (persistent organic pollutants, melamine, metals), and various pesticides, veterinary medicinal products, and feed additives.

Risk factors for microbiological hazards include hygiene and biosecurity failures, flock age and size, and environmental conditions. Mitigation measures are eradication and vaccination programs, applying HACCP controls, pest control, sampling and testing, and preventing cross contamination. Chemical hazards are linked to environmental exposure and misuse of substances. Mitigation focuses on environmental controls and monitoring programs.

Importance of issue
Information helps support the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the FSA in ensuring the safety of ...