Watchdogs have given a clean bill of health to runny eggs, putting them back on the menu for toddlers, the elderly and pregnant women.
The news is a victory for British farmers who have fought for almost 30 years to rehabilitate the reputation of their eggs.
Soft boiled eggs have come with a health warning ever since 1988, when the then health minister, Edwina Curry, warned they could be contaminated with salmonella.
Watchdogs have given a clean bill of health to runny eggs, putting them back on the menu for toddlers, the elderly and pregnant women (file photo)
The resulting scare led millions of people to turn away from eggs in what was a devastating blow to sales and British farmers.
However, efforts from farmers to eradicate the bug, which includes vaccinating the hens against salmonella, have effectively eliminated the risk.
The efforts of the industry means the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has now lifted the health warning for eggs carrying the British Lion logo.
It said: ’Infants, children, pregnant women and elderly people can now safely eat raw or lightly cooked eggs that are produced under the British Lion Code of Practice.’
The decision to change the advice is a result of the findings from an expert group that was set up by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF).
Its experts found that the presence of salmonella in UK eggs has been dramatically reduced in recent years, and the risks are ‘very low’ for those produced according to food safety controls applied by the British Lion Code of Practice. More than 90per cent of UK eggs are produced under this scheme.
Efforts from farmers, including vaccinating hens against salmonella, have effectively eliminated the risk of salmonella (file photo)
FSA chairman, Heather Hancock, said: ‘It’s good news that now even vulnerable groups can safely eat UK eggs without needing to hard-boil them, so long as they bear the British Lion mark.
‘The FSA has thoroughly reviewed the scientific evidence about the safety of these eggs, and we’re confident that we can now change our advice to consumers.
‘The major reduction in the risk of salmonella in Lion eggs is testament to the work carried out by egg producers.
‘The measures they’ve taken, from vaccination of hens through to improving hygiene on farms and better transportation, have dramatically reduced salmonella levels in UK hens.’
As well as vaccinating the hens, there has been improved farm hygiene, better control of rats and mice, which can spread infection, and improved handling of the eggs.
It’s good news that now even vulnerable groups can safely eat UK eggs without needing to hard-boil them, so long as they bear the British Lion mark.
FSA chairman, Heather Hancock
Andrew Joret, of the British Egg Industry Council, which runs the British Lion scheme, 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.
‘We know that many people in these groups, such as older people in care homes, would love to enjoy a traditional soft-boiled egg again.’
He said the change in advice is also good news for mothers to be, saying: ‘Many women avoid eggs during pregnancy and weaning, yet health experts say that eggs are an important food for both mothers and babies.
‘Not only are they highly nutritious, but emerging research also suggests that eating eggs in both pregnancy and early in the weaning process is likely to help reduce the risk of the baby developing an egg allergy.’
Registered nutritionist, Dr Juliet Gray, said: ‘Eggs are highly nutritious, containing key nutrients including high quality protein, vitamin D, selenium, choline and omega-3 fatty acids, several of which are not found in many other foods.
‘These nutrients are particularly important for many vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, babies and older people.’
The revised advice does not apply to severely immunocompromised individuals, who require medically supervised diets prescribed by health professionals.
Imported eggs and those produced in the UK which do not adhere to British Lion standards should always be cooked thoroughly until the yolk is firm for vulnerable groups.
- s.poulter@dailymail.co.uk