Salmonella warning linked to Polish poultry imports

Local authorities and consumers have been advised to step up their checks and tighten their hygiene practices in response to a rising threat of salmonella food poisoning linked to imports of Polish chicken and eggs.

The Food Standards Agency wrote to all local authorities on Wednesday (6 December) setting out its concerns following more than 90 incidents of food poisoning relating to salmonella contamination in Polish poultry products.

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The letter says the problems first came to light in 2020, linked to two food processing businesses in Poland.

Engagement with the Polish authorities at the time led to a notable improvement.

“However, since April this year, concerns have escalated over the re-emergence of UK cases of illness that have been linked to products imported from Poland,” said the FSA letter.

It cited six separate outbreaks involving imported poultrymeat and eggs.

Pay attention 

The letter urges local enforcement authorities to pay increased attention to businesses importing from Poland, as well as caterers, retailers and wholesalers, and to inform them of the risks.

A separate press release also urges consumers to adopt safe handling and cooking practices, referring to “multiple strains” of salmonella linked to Polish imports, with more than 200 human cases seen this year.

While discussions are continuing with Polish officials and the EU, the FSA notes that the introduction of the new Border Operating Model from the end of January will allow the UK to step up checks on food imports.

The FSA’s actions have been welcomed by the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), which is urging all users of eggs to play safe and seek out British Lion Eggs.

“There have been ongoing food safety issues with non-UK eggs for years,” said BEIC chief executive Gary Ford.

“Once you move away from the comprehensive food safety controls offered by the British Lion code of practice, businesses that choose to use imported eggs not only gamble with the health of their customers, they’re also putting their hard-earned reputations on the line.”