Caterers hit back over salmonella in eggs fears

Caterers have hit back at reports that they are putting their customers at risk from salmonella poisoning by importing unsafe eggs.

Concerns were raised last week following the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) findings regarding the risk of food poisoning from eggs originating in mainland Europe.

The BBC reported that if caterers were importing these eggs they could pose a health risk to UK consumers.

The British Hospitality Association recommended that members avoid using eggs from the Czech Republic, Poland and Spain, where especially high levels of salmonella were highlighted in the EFSA report.

Deputy chief executive Martin Couchman said: "We suspect, but can't be sure, that over 90% of the eggs used by the catering sector are from domestic flocks."

Contract caterer BaxterStorey said most UK caterers only used eggs from UK producers that complied with the Lion Mark assurance standards.