No further Salmonella Enteritidis detected after extensive testing
Earlier in 2021, testing detected salmonella enteritidis on 3 layer farms.
The immediate industry response was to prevent eggs from these farms reaching the consumer market and work with MPI to determine the extent of the outbreak.
The intention was to quickly contain, then eliminate it from the affected farms.
Extensive testing was carried out between MPI and the egg industry to understand the extent of potential spread.
We ringfenced this to 3 North Island farms, and none of their eggs were sold from that point.
Widespread testing of farms that produce 80% of NZ eggs is now almost complete, with no further salmonella enteritidis detected so far.
Encouragingly, there have been no further cases of salmonella enteritidis in the human population for 3 months. This gives us confidence that it is contained and will be eliminated.
As a precautionary measure we still recommend cooking eggs fully.
We will continue to provide updates on the progress MPI and Industry is making towards full elimination.