Vulnerable told not to eat under-cooked or runny eggs when eating out
BBC News reports that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has advised vulnerable individuals to avoid under-cooked or runny eggs when eating out due to the ongoing salmonella outbreak.
Key Recommendations:
- Under fives, over 65s, pregnant women, and those with health conditions should steer clear of under-cooked or runny eggs.
- This includes steering clear of freshly-made products containing uncooked eggs, such as mayonnaise, souffle, and hollandaise sauce.
- Well-cooked eggs in restaurants, cafes, and takeaways are safe to consume.
About the Outbreak:
The UK Health Security Agency has declared a national outbreak of salmonella food poisoning, with one death and hundreds of illnesses reported. Imported eggs or egg-containing dishes are suspected to be the source.
Expert Advice:
FSA chief scientific adviser, Ian Young, assured that British eggs from supermarkets are safe as chickens here are vaccinated against common salmonella strains. He characterized the outbreak as "unusually large and rapidly increasing," emphasizing the need for people to be careful.
Case Details:
Over 200 UK cases have been linked to this outbreak, predominantly in England. Genetic testing and investigations into individual cases point to imported eggs as the source.
Salmonella Information:
Salmonella is a common bacteria found in animals like cattle, pigs, and chickens. It can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, or fever. Most people recover without treatment, but older individuals, babies, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
