NFU Scotland is urging consumers and the food service sector to choose Scottish and UK eggs following a serious Salmonella outbreak in which imported eggs are under investigation.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 207 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis across the UK over the past year, including six cases in Scotland. One person has died and more than a third of those affected have required hospital treatment.
UKHSA is working with the Food Standards Agency and public health agencies across the UK to investigate the outbreak. While investigations into the source are continuing, the cases have been linked to food businesses identified as using imported eggs.
UKHSA has stated that, at this time, there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.
NFU Scotland says the outbreak reinforces its longstanding call for imported food to meet standards equivalent to those required of Scottish and UK producers, protecting consumers while ensuring domestic farmers are not undercut by products produced to different standards.
NFU Scotland Poultry Chair Matthew Steel said:
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“This is a deeply concerning outbreak and our thoughts are first and foremost with everyone who has been affected.
“It also highlights why consumers should be able to choose Scottish and UK eggs with confidence, whether they are buying them in a supermarket, an independent shop or eating out.
“Scottish and UK commercial egg producers operate under strict national Salmonella control and testing requirements. Many producers also participate in additional assurance schemes such as the British Lion scheme, but consumers should be reassured that UK producers outside that scheme are still required to meet the UK’s national Salmonella control requirements.
“UK commercial egg producers operate under strict Salmonella control and testing requirements, with many also participating in the British Lion scheme, which provides additional food safety assurances.
“The concern is that imported eggs largely enter wholesale and food service markets, where consumers often have very little information about where the eggs used in their meal or food product have come from.
“There is also a much wider issue about differences in production standards. Scottish and UK egg producers operate to rules on food safety, animal health and welfare and production systems that come at a cost. Yet imported eggs can be produced under different requirements, including using production systems that would not be permitted here.
“Scottish farmers are rightly expected to meet high standards. Food coming into the country should meet equivalent standards. That is fundamental both to protecting consumers and maintaining a level playing field for our producers.
“We need far greater transparency about the origin of eggs used in food service. Consumers should not have to guess where the eggs in the food they are eating have come from. That’s why we’re calling for country-of-origin labelling to extend beyond supermarket shelves into hospitality and wholesale, so people can make an informed choice wherever they eat”
NFU Scotland consumer advice on eggs
NFU Scotland is encouraging consumers to look for Scottish and UK eggs and pay attention to origin when making purchasing decisions.
The latest findings from NFU Scotland’s 2025 full-year ShelfWatch report show that 80% of eggs on Scottish supermarket shelves are sourced from Scotland, an increase of five percentage points year on year.
It’s important to note no retailer uses imported shell eggs, and Scottish sourcing improved across most major retailers during the year.
NFU Scotland says the figures demonstrate the strength of Scotland's egg sector and the commitment of major retailers to source Scottish eggs.
Many UK eggs also carry the British Lion mark. The Lion Code includes additional requirements covering Salmonella vaccination, testing, traceability and hygiene. UK commercial egg producers are subject to national Salmonella control requirements whether or not they participate in the Lion scheme.
NFU Scotland advises consumers to:
- Check packaging and shell markings for UK or Scottish origin, particularly when buying from smaller or independent retailers.
- Buy Scottish or UK eggs with confidence, recognising that commercial producers must comply with national Salmonella control requirements whether or not they participate in the British Lion scheme.
- Ask restaurants, cafés, hotels and other catering businesses where their eggs are sourced and request Scottish or UK eggs.
- Follow Food Standards Scotland advice on the safe handling and cooking of eggs.
NFU Scotland is also calling for greater country-of-origin transparency in the food service sector and robust checks on eggs entering wholesale supply chains.
NFU Scotland’s Fair Labels, Fair Markets report is calling for country-of-origin labelling to be extended beyond supermarkets to hospitality and wholesale, so consumers can see where their food comes from wherever they buy or eat it. NFU Scotland research found more than 80% of consumers say origin is important to them, yet fewer than half feel they have enough information about where their food is produced.
The Union warns that the issue could become increasingly important as the UK moves away from colony cage egg production. Reduced availability of domestically produced economy eggs could increase pressure on suppliers to source cheaper eggs from overseas.
Matthew Steel added:
“We cannot allow high domestic production standards to result in Scottish and UK farmers being undercut by cheaper imports produced under less stringent requirements.
“If we set high standards for our own farmers, those standards must be reflected in what we allow onto our market.
“This outbreak should focus attention on where our food comes from. Scottish and UK egg producers have invested heavily in food safety, traceability and high production standards. Consumers deserve transparency so they can make an informed choice, whether they are shopping for eggs or ordering a meal.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR
- A photograph of NFUS Poultry Chair Matthew Steel is attached.
- NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch campaign monitors sourcing, origin and labelling across Scotland’s eight major retailers and calls for increased Scottish and British sourcing, reduced reliance on imports and clearer country-of-origin information.
- A copy of the NFUS 2025-26 ShelfWatch Year in Review report is available here.
- NFU Scotland’s Fair Labels, Fair Markets report calls for clearer country-of-origin labelling across retail, wholesale and hospitality, including extending origin information to the out-of-home sector. The full report is available here.