Ian Jones, spokesman for British Lion Egg Processors, said: “This is the second time we’ve seen salmonella contamination of liquid egg from imported products in recent years and it underlines the importance of ensuring manufacturers and retailers take extra care when purchasing egg products.

“These outbreaks emphasise the importance of having stringent controls throughout the production of egg products, especially relating to salmonella. The controls in the British Lion Code of Practice minimise the possibility of contamination. We would urge food producers to specify British Lion egg products to ensure that they are buying egg products produced to the strictest standards.”

The latest salmonella contamination follows a number of issues relating to egg products produced on the Continent, including dioxin contamination. As part of the British Lion Egg Products Code of Practice, strict controls on hens’ feed are in place to minimise the possibility of contamination for British Lion eggs.

Jones said: “We have had a steady stream of problems associated with egg products produced in Europe in the recent past and if they are not doing so already, it’s surely high time for food manufacturers to recognise the benefits of specifying British Lion egg products.”