Most egg producers in Denmark are following the rules and recommendations to prevent Salmonella contamination, according to the results of an assessment.

A check by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) found that nine in 10 egg producers are in control of the procedures they must follow to keep eggs Salmonella-free.

Denmark achieved special status for Salmonella in table eggs in EU regulation in 2012 because of a history of low incidence and a tight control program that goes beyond European requirements. This recognition is important for domestic food safety and for confidence in exports.

Fødevarestyrelsen carries out annual inspections of the sector and has noted an increase in Salmonella-infected flocks since 2018. In late 2021, a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak that affected 18 people was traced to Danish eggs.

Mainly compliant but areas to improve
The latest inspection from March to June 2021 found that producers generally show a high level of compliance in relation to having a self-monitoring program that meets the requirements and the majority follow the program to prevent or deal with Salmonella.

However, there are still areas where some do not meet elements set out in their self-monitoring plans. The control also showed that producers who do not comply with the rules probably lack knowledge.

Overall, 47 inspection visits were carried out with 43 being completed without sanctions. A total of 46 of the controlled companies had a self-monitoring program that met the requirements.

During the inspections, a checklist was reviewed with supplementary questions for things recommended in an industry code of practice but not required in the rules.

At the farms where there were violations of the rules, there was often more than one issue. Guidance was given in the areas of maintenance, hygienic design and the physical outdoor layout, and emphasis was placed on pest control. The majority had an agreement with an external pest control company and said they follow up on any reports they receive.

Problems were related to tidiness and condition of buildings, egg packing rooms and the surroundings, animal control and feed storage. Pests are a source of introducing Salmonella to poultry flocks. Inspectors also found room for improvement with some of the documentation relating to cleaning frequency and Salmonella samples.

Most sites followed the industry code of practice but the biggest challenges appeared to be clear division between areas into clean and unclean zones where clothes are changed, the possibility of access to the egg packing room for the driver from the packing plant, as well as tidiness around the feed silo.

DMAA warning
Meanwhile, Fødevarestyrelsen has warned against buying dietary supplements on social media sites like Facebook.

The agency said the harmful supplements, which can lead to a cardiac arrest, were sold from a Facebook profile with a fictitious name of Martin “Kongen” Hansen.

Pills contain the dangerous chemical substance 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA) and are sold under names such as Hammer Labz Oxy-Dren, Skull Labs Angel Dust, Skull Labs Ultimate Fat Killer Ripper, URX Bombsell and USPLabs OxyELITE Pro. DMAA is sold as helping with sports performance and in weight loss products.

The seller is not registered and products have not been reported to Fødevarestyrelsen. The agency told consumers to seek thorough information about supplements before buying online and check whether the product is registered as a dietary supplement in Denmark, meaning it is subject to random checks by authorities.

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