FSA launches its new salmonella campaign

Caterers are being warned about the dangers posed by eggs, in a fresh bid to reduce the number of cases of salmonella food poisoning.

The warning comes from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which this month is targeting about 400,000 caterers across the country with a new leaflet entitled: Eggs - what caterers need to know.

A spokesman for the FSA said the move was made in response to last year's "unprecedented" outbreaks of salmonella.

The spokesman added that there were a "significant" number of links to catering establishments, saying: "We looked at the emerging details and it was clear that there were issues that need to be addressed."

The warning is aimed in particular at those catering for vulnerable groups, including nursing homes for the elderly, and schools where children would be eating.

The leaflet advises anyone handling eggs to keep the cracked shells away from work surfaces and other foods, to avoid splashing uncooked egg onto surfaces and foods, to wash their hands often, and to ensure that egg whites and yolks are cooked until solid.

To order your own copy of the leaflet, tel: 0845 606 0667.

Source: Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine, 30 January - 5 February 2003