July 5, 2023

 

British Egg Industry Council introduces updated code of practice

 

The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has launched an updated version of the Lion Code, known as Version 8, aimed at incorporating the latest scientific and veterinary advice and industry expertise to the UK egg industry, Food Safety News reported.

 

The Lion Code of Practice, independently audited, sets rigorous standards for the British egg industry, but it does not cover duck eggs.

 

The revised code encompasses over 700 audit points, ranging from Salmonella vaccination to traceability of hens, eggs, and feed. It introduces improved sampling and testing procedures, as well as updated protocols for rodent control, on-farm and packing centre practices, and the Lion training passport. The code also emphasises the importance of animal welfare standards.

 

Andrew Joret, chairman of BEIC, highlighted food safety issues related to imported eggs from Europe. Joret expressed concerns about the lack of controls on imported eggs and egg products, citing instances of Salmonella outbreaks and chemical contamination, such as the Fipronil scandal.

 

Mark Williams, BEIC chief executive, said British Lion mark is important in restoring consumer confidence in British eggs. He reassured consumers that British eggs, produced to unparalleled food safety standards, remain available despite the temporary supply issues leading to the sale of imported eggs by retail and wholesale companies.

 

The latest version of the Lion Code is expected to receive UKAS approval within three months. Audits against the new code are scheduled to commence in September. Additionally, an enhanced code of practice for the production of Lion Quality egg products is set to be introduced soon.

 

Joret addressed the issue of Salmonella in eggs, explaining that pasteurisation is effective against the bacteria but may not eliminate it completely if the bacterial load is high. He outlined the temperature and time requirements for pasteurisation and mentioned that egg pasteurising plants in the UK do not accept eggs from known Salmonella-positive flocks, ensuring stringent control measures.

 

Sterling Crew, president of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), stressed the importance of the British Lion mark in assuring safety and quality to customers. The mark signifies adherence to high standards of biosecurity, provenance, animal welfare, and authenticity.

 

Joret also touched on the issue of food fraud, sharing an example of surplus eggs from a bankrupt company that were incorrectly packed with non-Lion eggs from Poland. This incident involved multiple instances of fraud, including mislabelling the production system and country of origin.

 

-      Food Safety News