The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has recently unveiled an upgraded code of practice to produce British Lion egg products.

The updated 'version 3' standard integrates the latest advancements in food safety, featuring 64 new criteria’s, with consideration for the rapid innovations made within the sector.

Over 90% of UK eggs are produced under the British Lion food safety scheme, overseen by BEIC.

More than 30 years since the code of practice was introduced in 1995, it remains the sole recognised industry standard for processed eggs worldwide.

The standards cover all production systems, safeguarding eggs from the time they are laid until they reach food manufacturers and foodservice operators.

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Version 3 enhances these standards further by incorporating new industry guidance and implementing specific measures and controls, especially for new and innovative products.

This update is timely, given the ongoing food safety outbreaks associated with eggs and egg products from outside the UK.

Chief executive of BEIC Gary Ford emphasised the importance of maintaining the highest standards, stating it is "as important now as it ever was."

He added: “The code of practice has provided peace of mind, ensuring retailers, food manufacturers, foodservice operators, wholesalers can safely serve consumers British egg products without the risk, food miles and challenges of traceability involved in importing egg products.

Food safety expert Sterling Crew, president of the Institute of Food Science and Technology, praised the announcement.

He underlined: “There’s an assumption that once an egg has been pasteurised that it’s automatically safe but there’s a lot more to it, especially where some egg products, such as egg white, are heat treated,

“With ongoing food safety incidents involving eggs and egg products produced outside the UK, there are potential risks associated with egg products that aren’t produced to the standards of the British Lion Code of Practice.”

He continued: “I will always insist my colleagues, customers, and friends ask for British Lion egg products if they want food safety assurance.”

This announcement follows BEIC's recent political proposals ahead of the next general election, advocating for increased protection against egg imports not meeting UK standards.