This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/6153362.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Salmonella risk in imported eggs Salmonella risk in imported eggs
(about 2 hours later)
Salmonella is present in one in every 30 boxes of eggs imported for sale in England, a food watchdog study says.Salmonella is present in one in every 30 boxes of eggs imported for sale in England, a food watchdog study says.
With eggs from Spain, this rises to one in eight, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).With eggs from Spain, this rises to one in eight, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Using tests on 1,744 imported boxes, on sale in London and the North West, and other data, it estimated salmonella was present in 3.3% of boxes.Using tests on 1,744 imported boxes, on sale in London and the North West, and other data, it estimated salmonella was present in 3.3% of boxes.
The FSA said the vast majority of eggs were salmonella free, but urged the vulnerable to cook eggs thoroughly.The FSA said the vast majority of eggs were salmonella free, but urged the vulnerable to cook eggs thoroughly.
In their tests on the 1,744 boxes, which had been on sale in small shops and discount chains, reseachers found salmonella inside eggs in 10 boxes, and contaminated egg shells in 157 boxes. In their tests on the 1,744 boxes, which had been on sale in small shops and discount chains, researchers found salmonella inside eggs in 10 boxes, and contaminated egg shells in 157 boxes.
They then used their findings with other data on imported eggs to give a broader, more accurate picture, and estimated salmonella was present in 3.3% of boxes.They then used their findings with other data on imported eggs to give a broader, more accurate picture, and estimated salmonella was present in 3.3% of boxes.
This survey shows that problems with salmonella in eggs have not gone away Dr Andrew WadgeThis survey shows that problems with salmonella in eggs have not gone away Dr Andrew Wadge
The samples came from eight European countries, with two-thirds coming from Spain.The samples came from eight European countries, with two-thirds coming from Spain.
Most of the contaminated eggs came from three farms in Spain, the FSA said.Most of the contaminated eggs came from three farms in Spain, the FSA said.
France had the second highest number, with one in every 170 boxes found to be contaminated.France had the second highest number, with one in every 170 boxes found to be contaminated.
Dr Andrew Wadge, director of food safety for the FSA, said: "The vast majority of eggs we eat in the UK are salmonella free.Dr Andrew Wadge, director of food safety for the FSA, said: "The vast majority of eggs we eat in the UK are salmonella free.
"However this survey shows that problems with salmonella in eggs have not gone away.""However this survey shows that problems with salmonella in eggs have not gone away."
Advice
He said the European Commission has set targets for reducing salmonella in laying flocks and making vaccination compulsory in countries with high contamination.He said the European Commission has set targets for reducing salmonella in laying flocks and making vaccination compulsory in countries with high contamination.
Only 10% of eggs sold in the UK were imported and most imported eggs were used in the catering trade, said the FSA.Only 10% of eggs sold in the UK were imported and most imported eggs were used in the catering trade, said the FSA.
But the watchdog warned the elderly, the young, pregnant women and the sick to cook eggs thoroughly to reduce any risk of food poisoning.But the watchdog warned the elderly, the young, pregnant women and the sick to cook eggs thoroughly to reduce any risk of food poisoning.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria and poisoning usually occurs from eating contaminated food such as meat and eggs.
Infection causes severe diarrhoea, cramping abdominal pain, nausea and sometimes vomiting.
The symptoms can last for several days, but most people, make a full recovery within a week.
In June, confectionary giant Cadbury Schweppes withdrew a million chocolate bars after a pipe at its plant in Marlbrook, Herefordshire, caused salmonella contamination.