THE exact code to watch out for on eggs part of a batch contaminated by Salmonella has been confirmed.
An urgent “do not eat” warning has been issued for eggs linked to dozens of cases of food poisoning.
The eggs, imported from Ukraine, were found to be contaminated with the bacteria and are thought to be directly linked to at least 36 food poisoning infections this year.
Brits have been warned to check eggs before eating them – and to avoid them if they are printed with the code that indicates they are part of the batch impacted by the Salmonella strain.
The particular eggs come from Ukrainian company Yasensvit Ltd – and are stamped with the code 3UA1012066.
All sizes of egg cartons are at risk of containing contaminated eggs and shoppers are being told to check eggs no matter the best before date.
It’s thought that most of the eggs with a possible Salmonella presence are sold as part of catering supply chains – but could be found in the likes of corner shops and smaller grocery retailers.
The UK Food Standards Agency says that any eggs found to be stamped with the code should not be consumed and should be disposed of safely.
Salmonella symptoms and what to do if you are infected
A Salmonella infection can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pains or cramps
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Chills
Symptoms usually begin within 6 hours of exposure to Salmonella bacteria – but can take up to six days to start.
If you have a Salmonella infection, you should:
- Stay away from work, school, nursery or public places while symptoms are active.
- Wait at least 48 hours after end of symptoms to return.
- Rest and stay hydrated.
- Avoid anti-diarrhea medication.
- Eat plain foods like crackers.
Jacquelyn McCormick, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, explained: “We have identified Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs that were imported from a business in Ukraine and taken urgent action to protect public health and advised that any affected product on the UK market is withdrawn and recalled.
“This issue relates specifically to eggs from one business in Ukraine, which are primarily supplied through wholesalers and the catering supply chain, but also sold at small retailers,” the FSA’s official statement continued.
“Consumers should not eat these eggs and businesses should withdraw them, and where retail sales have occurred, recall them, as these eggs may be unsafe to eat.”
Retailers and wholesalers have also been instructed to remove eggs stamped with the code from market and to recall them from consumers.
The food safety watchdog also shared: ” Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
“If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.”