British Egg Industry Council embarks on care home caterer campaign

The Lion Code of Practice, introduced in 1998, has effectively eliminated Salmonella through a comprehensive suite of measures
The Lion Code of Practice, introduced in 1998, has effectively eliminated Salmonella through a comprehensive suite of measures

The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has launched a nationwide campaign in partnership with the National Association of Care Caterers (NACC) to raise awareness of the latest egg safety advice for vulnerable groups and remind caterers of their nutritional value for older people.

The campaign follows the report by the Government’s Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) earlier this year which concluded that British Lion eggs can safely be eaten runny, even by pregnant women, babies and elderly people.

Andrew Joret, Chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, said: "We have been confident for some time that the safety record of British Lion eggs means that vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, babies and elderly people should be able to consume them when runny.

"There is also evidence to suggest that egg consumption can be highly beneficial for older people, helping to guard against issues such as sarcopenia.

"And besides being highly nutritious, we also know that many of them would love to enjoy a traditional soft-boiled egg again."

The report recommended that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) should now consider amending its long-standing advice – that vulnerable groups should avoid raw or lightly cooked eggs - for eggs produced under the British Lion scheme, or a demonstrably-equivalent comprehensive scheme.

The campaign will see the BEIC speaking at NACC regional meetings in Wales, Scotland, South East, South West, North and Midlands throughout June and July, highlighting the findings of the ACMSF report and encouraging caterers and operators to specify British Lion eggs to ensure that their residents benefit from the expected change in the official FSA advice on eggs over the coming months.

A digital campaign has also been developed, with an e-shot outlining the change in advice set to be distributed to all NACC members in mid-June.