The Laid In Britain Code of Practice, managed by The United Kingdom Egg Producers Association has received recognition from the Foods Standard Agency (FSA).
With immediate effect this means that eggs produced under the Laid in Britain egg assurance scheme are deemed to be safe to be eaten by infants, children, pregnant women and elderly people, either raw or lightly cooked or within foods containing them.
Laid In Britain, is a UK egg-specific food safety and welfare assurance scheme, specifically designed for independent egg producers and retailers, who supply locally. It is designed to ensure high standards of food safety, provide quality assurance and minimise the risk of Salmonella infection in people via contaminated eggs.
Leading avian vet David Spackman, one of the founders of the scheme explained; “With the Laid In Britain mark, end users can be confident of buying safe, quality eggs that have been carefully produced on local farms.”
At the heart of the scheme is a drive for optimum bird welfare. Members must comply with the most stringent health and safety regulations in the market, proving they are a credible source for Salmonella free eggs and happy hens.
The eggs produced within the Laid in Britain scheme have a superior history of freedom from Salmonella than found in other codes of practice. The code was revised recently to further enhance Salmonella controls.
Following the FSA approval Chairman of UKEPA, Adam Stratton said: “The extensive protection provided by the Laid In Britain scheme has built total customer confidence in the safety, quality and value of Laid in Britain eggs. Laid In Britain Eggs have always been safe to eat in any form. It is gratifying to finally have this recognised by the FSA and we hope that the general public, retailers and our growing membership will continue to put their trust in the scheme”.
Chloe Ryan
Editor of Poultry Business, Chloe has spent the past decade writing about the food industry from farming, through manufacturing, retail and foodservice. When not working, dog walking and reading biographies are her favourite hobbies.