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Imported eggs are under suspicion after a series of linked human Salmonella cases during the summer period, prompting NFU Scotland to remind consumers about the safety and quality of UK and Scottish eggs. Between May and October 2025, 123 confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis were reported across Britain, with two in Scotland. Investigations by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Public Health Scotland, Food Standards Scotland, and the Animal & Plant Health Agency have linked several cases to a single distributor of imported eggs.
These incidents reinforce NFU Scotland’s broader call that all imported food should meet the same high-quality standards as UK and Scottish production, ensuring consumer safety and a level playing field for domestic producers.
NFU Scotland’s Poultry Chair Robert Thompson said: “These outbreaks highlight why UK and Scottish eggs are the safest in the world. They all undergo strict Salmonella testing, and the majority also carry the Lion Code Stamp, adding additional assurance of compliance with UK enhanced safety standards. Imported eggs, largely enter the wholesale and food service sectors, do not meet the same rigorous requirements, creating unnecessary risks for public health.”
NFUS Consumer Guidance on Eggs
NFU Scotland’s guidance reflects its overarching position that imported food must adhere to the same rigorous safety and quality standards as domestic produce. Imported eggs remain a significant concern for the sector, as many are not produced to the same rigorous standards as those in the UK and do not comply with the UK’s strict Salmonella testing requirements. This makes UK and Scottish eggs some of the safest in the world.
When considering own label eggs sold through major retailers across 2025, 77% were Scottish and 23% British, identified by a UK or SCO prefix on the shell stamp, and most carry the Lion Code Stamp. The Lion Code Scheme is the UK’s most comprehensive food safety standard demonstrating compliance with enhanced Salmonella testing standards. All UK commercial producers follow national testing standards, though not all participate in the Lion Scheme.
However, imported eggs, found primarily in wholesale markets, food service, and smaller independent shops do not meet similar standards, they can be lower quality, not always clearly labelled but are usually significantly cheaper.
NFUS advises consumers to:
- Check the shell stamp for UK or Scottish origin when shopping at independent shops.
- Look for the Lion Code Stamp where possible, which demonstrates adherence to enhanced safety standards, while noting that all UK and Scottish eggs must comply with national Salmonella testing requirements.
- Ask about egg sourcing when eating out and insist on UK or Scottish eggs.
- NFUS also calls for greater transparency in labelling within the food service sector and stronger checks on eggs supplied through wholesale markets.
As the UK moves away from colony cage production, the availability of domestic produced economy eggs will decline, increasing pressure on suppliers to source cheaper imported eggs.
This trend risks introducing more eggs of lower quality and higher Salmonella risk into the market.
Our overarching call is for all food that is imported to be required to be at the same high-quality standard as domestic production.
NOTE TO EDITOR
- A headshot of Robert Thompson is attached.
Contact Megan Williams on 07920 018619