Risk Profile: Imported Eggs and Egg Products

Abstract

This risk profile identifies and characterises the primary hazards associated with shell eggs and egg products (EEPs) imported into the United Kingdom (UK) from domestic poultry species. The scope includes liquid, dry, cooked, and preserved egg products, excluding composite foods containing eggs or egg products. The document aims to provide essential background information on food safety concerns related to imported EEPs, support the assessment of market access requests for exporting EEPs to the UK, and assist in audit and assurance activities for EEP imports. A comprehensive literature review and analysis of incident and alert data identified over 100 potential hazards in eggs. Through expert judgement and inclusion criteria, 22 key hazards were shortlisted for characterisation. The microbiological hazards characterised include Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and non-typhoidal Salmonella (Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium), with Salmonella Enteritidis being the most frequently reported hazard. Chemical hazards characterised include agricultural contaminants (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, pyrrolizidine alkaloids), biocides (fipronil, chlorate), environmental contaminants (persistent organic pollutants, melamine, metals), and various pesticides, veterinary medicinal products, and feed additives. Risk factors for microbiological hazards include hygiene and biosecurity failures, flock age and size, and environmental conditions. Chemical hazards are linked to environmental exposure and misuse of substances. Mitigation measures for microbiological hazards include eradication and vaccination programmes, while chemical hazard mitigation focuses on environmental controls and monitoring programmes. Regulatory measures in Great Britain and Northern Ireland are in place to control both chemical and microbiological hazards in eggs. This risk profile supports the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in ensuring the safety of imported EEPs and guiding market access and audit activities.