Handling Eggs Safely: Storage, Usage, and Considerations for Babies

Choosing Eggs

Look for the British Lion mark on eggs to ensure they are from vaccinated hens:

• British Lion Mark: Indicates eggs are from hens vaccinated against salmonella.
• Best Before Date: Check for a date stamp, though not legally required, all British Lion eggs are date stamped.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures egg freshness and safety:

• Use By Date: Use eggs by the best before date.
• Storage Conditions: Keep eggs in a cool, dry place, ideally in the fridge and in the egg tray.
• Avoid Strong Odours: Store eggs away from strong-smelling foods, raw meat, and ready-to-eat foods.

Handling Eggs

Follow safe handling practices for eggs:

• Hygiene: Wash hands before and after handling eggs.
• Avoid Damaged Eggs: Never use eggs with cracked or damaged shells.
• Refrigerate Dishes: Refrigerate dishes containing eggs and consume them promptly after preparation.

Using Pasteurised Eggs

Consider pasteurised eggs for uncooked or lightly cooked dishes:

• Examples: Homemade mayonnaise, mousse, hollandaise sauce.
• Do Not Re-use: Do not re-use leftover egg dishes.

Eggs and Babies

Special considerations when introducing eggs to babies:

• Food Allergies: Egg allergy affects 0.5-2.5% of children.
• Weaning: Start with a small amount of well-cooked egg and monitor for reactions.
• Gradual Introduction: Increase egg amounts if no allergic reactions occur.