Government food safety experts have also announced a review of the evidence relating to the safety of eggs in the UK and the BEIC says that the safety record of British Lion eggs means that vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and babies should now be allowed to consume them when runny.
A review paper published recently in the Journal of Health Visiting concludes that historic concerns about allergy and food safety may have resulted in unnecessary avoidance of eggs by these groups. A new analysis of nationally representative infant feeding data shows that only 9% of babies are currently given eggs at six months, the recommended age to start weaning. Even at 12 months, only 36% are given eggs, with allergy concerns given as the main reason for avoiding eggs.
Data from the latest UK Infant Feeding Study of more than 10,000 mothers also showed that three- quarters largely avoided eggs and more than one in ten avoided giving eggs to their babies altogether.
Dr Juliet Gray, registered nutritionist and co-author of the paper, said, “Eggs are highly nutritious, containing key nutrients including high quality protein, vitamin D, selenium, choline and omega-3 fatty acids, several of which are not found in many other foods.
“Our review concluded that mums and their babies can be encouraged to eat eggs, as this could have a positive effect in terms of nutritional intake and may also help immune tolerance of eggs.
“The BEIC advice that vulnerable groups can go back to runny eggs, if produced under the Lion scheme, should further reassure women that they can enjoy them normally in pregnancy and give them to their babies when weaning from six months.”
Emerging evidence suggests that the delayed introduction of potential food allergens, such as eggs, during weaning may actually be counterproductive. The introduction of these foods while breastfeeding, between the ages of 4-7 months, could protect against developing allergies to these foods.This hypothesis is currently being tested by two major studies while two government committees are also reviewing the current advice on infant feeding and food allergy.
The government’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) does not advise pregnant women and babies to avoid eggs to reduce the risk of developing allergy, but it does continue to advise all vulnerable groups to make sure eggs are thoroughly cooked. However the FSA recognises the significant progress the British egg industry has made towards eliminating salmonella from British Lion eggs and it will be seeking a view from its Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food on the evidence relating to the safety of eggs consumed in the UK early next year.