In altogether twelve European countries, contaminated eggs have appeared so far. The insecticide Fipronil, which is utilised against fleas, mites and ticks but strictly prohibited in the keeping of farm animals, has been detected in numerous eggs and processed groceries by now. We will reveal everything you have to know about the scandal:
The egg scandal originates in Belgium. There, a plant-based disinfectant has been mingled with Fipronil which is prohibited in the keeping of farm animals. This merged sanitizer has been delivered to the Netherlands and there has been used by the company “Chickfriend” for the cleansing of the stables. The enterprise has provided overall 180 egg producers in the Netherlands whose farms have meanwhile been closed. But before, numerous polluted eggs had found their way from there to supermarkets in many European countries. It was first said that no danger for the consumers emanates from the contaminated eggs, but by now at least one case of acute imperilment has come to be known and in 59 cases there has been talk of a risk for children. It is also shocking, that the consumers gained knowledge of the scandal not until weeks after the discovery of the first Fipronil polluted eggs. Who exactly is responsible for the whole matter is not entirely clear, but the European Commission wants to learn from the issue and improve the rapid alert system.
Meanwhile, the critical groceries have been removed from the supermarkets, but nonetheless, the scandal should open the consumer’s eyes. Instead of purchasing eggs from unknown origin and thereby possibly endangering our health as well as supporting mass husbandry, we should turn towards our regional farmers on site. Then, we will at least know exactly, where our eggs are coming from and can convince ourselves of the farm animal welfare and housing. And what could be better than visiting the animals within our daily walk and seeing them cheerfully flying around outside in the nature? Without doubt, our breakfast egg in bio quality from happy local chicken will taste much better then, especially because we can eat it with a clean conscience. Enjoy your meal!