Eggs strike again
European Food safety Authority was forced rapidly to investigate a multi-country outbreak of salmonella food poisoning last summer. Cases were reported from Austria, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the UK. Imported eggs (or egg products) were probably responsible for salmonella infection in 250 people in the UK alone. The particular strain of salmonella involved was linked to an egg packaging centre in Germany. The fact that these eggs were able to reach the market despite strict regulations shows that, with production on such a massive scale, not every safety aspect can be controlled all the time.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, European Food Safety Authority, 2014. Multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections associated with consumption of eggs from Germany – 25 August 2014.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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