On 23 April 2010 the Food Safety Authority of Ireland advised that it was investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 in humans that was linked to the consumption of duck eggs. Subsequent investigations revealed that nine individual flocks were infected.
Duck eggs are not covered under EU legislation on marketing standards or zoonosis and there is no scheme of compensation for producers whose duck egg flocks are Salmonella positive. Nevertheless, my Department met with representatives of the sector and, having regard to the difficulties being experienced as a result of this outbreak, agreed to a once-off ex-gratia contribution of €16 per duck for flockowners who voluntarily depopulated, subject to their agreeing to a new Code of Practice governing the industry and registering with the Department.
In addition, affected flock owners were required to ensure that replacement stock was sourced from salmonella-free flocks and that certain biosecurity and hygiene measures were put in place. Under EU Food Hygiene Regulations, responsibility for ensuring the safety of food being placed on the market rests with the producer.