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Why Egg Sourcing Matters

Care home residents are among those most vulnerable to foodborne illness, and rising imports of lower-standard eggs are increasing the risk. British Lion Eggs sets out why sourcing and traceability deserve a closer look in every care home kitchen.

Eggs are one of the most dependable ingredients in any care home kitchen. They are familiar, versatile, quick to prepare and, gram for gram, one of the most cost-effective sources of high-quality protein available to caterers. Yet for a food so commonplace, the sourcing decisions behind it carry unusually high stakes. Care home residents sit among the groups most vulnerable to foodborne illness, and any lapse in egg safety standards can have serious consequences.

That vulnerability is precisely why egg sourcing deserves more scrutiny than it typically receives. Imported eggs and egg products, increasingly arriving from outside the UK's regulatory framework, are moving into the foodservice sector in growing volumes. Some are produced using battery cage systems that have been banned in the UK for over a decade, meaning the welfare standards behind them fall well short of what British consumers and residents would expect. Traceability is often weaker too, making it harder to establish exactly what is being served and where it originated.

"Care home residents are among those most vulnerable to foodborne illness, so egg sourcing is not an area where caterers can afford to take risks, particularly at a time when foreign eggs have been implicated in Salmonella outbreaks," says Dr Lisa Ackerley, food safety expert, CMCIEH FRSPH. "By making sure that only British Lion eggs are used, care homes can be confident, with Food Standards Agency-backed assurance, that even if served raw or runny, eggs and egg dishes are safe."

A wider European picture

Dr Ackerley's warning sits against a backdrop of continued scrutiny of food safety standards across Europe. Salmonella remains one of the continent's most significant foodborne risks, and eggs are consistently among the foods most commonly implicated. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have continued to track and report on multi-country Salmonella outbreaks throughout 2026, working with national authorities to trace sources back through complex international supply chains.

These investigations underline a point that matters directly for care caterers: origin and traceability are not administrative details; they are food safety controls in their own right. Outbreaks of this kind are rarely traced to a single farm or a single fault. They tend to expose weaknesses that run the length of a supply chain, from production standards through to labelling and distribution, which is exactly the territory the British Lion Code of Practice was designed to close down.

The British Lion difference

British Lion eggs exist to remove that uncertainty. Produced under a Code of Practice that covers the entire supply chain, from Salmonella vaccination of hens through to independent auditing, full traceability and rigorous hygiene controls, they carry a level of assurance that imported eggs cannot match. Critically, this is not a marketing claim but a recognised regulatory position: British Lion eggs are approved by the Food Standards Agency to be served raw or runny to vulnerable groups, including care home residents.

That approval has a specific history worth understanding. Guidance introduced after the Salmonella crisis of the late 1980s told pregnant women, babies and elderly people to avoid raw and lightly cooked eggs altogether. It was only in 2017 that the FSA revised its advice, recognising that the Lion Code's food safety measures had effectively eliminated Salmonella risk from eggs carrying the mark. For care homes, that means runny eggs, soft-boiled eggs and other lightly cooked preparations are back on the menu for residents, provided the eggs used carry the British Lion stamp.

The distinction matters because it is not always visible on the surface. Eggs produced abroad can still be packed in the UK and carry a UK stamp on the outer carton, which risks giving caterers false confidence. The only reliable check is on the eggs themselves: genuine British Lion eggs carry both a Red Lion mark and a UK mark on the shell, alongside a best-before date. Specifying British Lion eggs in supply contracts, checking deliveries against what was ordered, and avoiding the temptation to source from local farms, where traceability and food safety controls cannot be guaranteed to the same standard, are simple steps that materially reduce risk. Duck eggs, too, should be avoided in care settings, as they fall outside the Lion scheme and carry a higher Salmonella risk than hen eggs.

A nutritional case, not just a safety one

Food safety is only half the argument. Eggs are also one of the most nutrient-dense foods available to care caterers, delivering high-quality, highly digestible protein alongside vitamin D, B vitamins, selenium, iodine and choline. That combination matters enormously in a population where undernutrition and sarcopenia, the loss of muscle size and strength, remain persistent challenges.

"Eggs are such an important and versatile food to use in care home catering and are instantly familiar to all," says Alison Smith, consultant dietitian specialising in older people. "Malnutrition continues to be one of the main nutritional issues for many care home residents, requiring management, primarily using food, by all care home staff, and in particular care chefs," Smith notes that nutritional advice has shifted in recent years, moving away from simply adding calories through fat and sugar and towards nutrient-dense foods instead. "Eggs are a brilliant nutrient-dense food in their own right and also provide a fantastic nutrient-dense ingredient which can be used to fortify a myriad of other dishes."

Older people, particularly those with reduced appetites, often need to eat a higher proportion of protein relative to their overall calorie intake than younger adults, and evidence suggests intake is often weakest at breakfast, precisely the meal where eggs are easiest to include. There is also no clinical basis for restricting egg consumption on cholesterol grounds. Major UK heart and health advisory bodies now agree that the dietary cholesterol eggs contain does not increase cardiovascular risk in most healthy people, which removes a common but outdated objection to serving them freely.

Dishes that meet specific resident needs

Eggs earn their place across a range of specific care needs, not just as a general menu staple. For residents identified as at risk of undernutrition, beaten egg is a simple and effective fortifier, stirred into mashed potato, sauces, porridge or custard. In contrast, whole egg dishes can themselves be enriched further with ingredients such as skimmed milk powder, ground almonds or cheese. As preferences and nutritional needs can change, what works for an individual resident is worth reviewing at least every six months.

For people living with dementia, the familiarity of eggs, especially as part of breakfast and snack meals, can support recognition and appetite, helping residents engage with dishes that carry associations with their past. Traditional preparations such as boiled, poached or scrambled eggs tend to work well, though some residents are equally happy to try less familiar options such as smoked salmon frittata. Brightly coloured dishes, or those that contrast with the plate they are served on, can also help draw attention and encourage appetite. Eggs double as accessible finger foods too: hard-boiled eggs, stuffed eggs, homemade scotch eggs, mini omelette wraps and mini quiches all allow residents who struggle with cutlery, or with sitting for a full meal, to eat independently.

For the significant proportion of residents living with dysphagia, up to 68 percent of older people in care homes are thought to experience some degree of eating, drinking or swallowing difficulty, texture matters as much as nutrition. Soft omelette, smooth quiche filling, scrambled egg and sweet or savoury baked egg custard all offer safe, palatable options that meet modified texture requirements without sacrificing nutritional value, and many of these dishes can be pureed further if needed.

A simple standard to apply consistently

None of this requires complex sourcing decisions. Storing eggs at a constant temperature below 20°C, keeping them separate from raw meat and strong-smelling foods, allowing them to reach room temperature before cooking and discarding any cracked or dirty eggs are straightforward practices that any kitchen can embed without disruption. Cooked egg dishes should be eaten as soon as possible after preparation, or refrigerated promptly if not for immediate use, and hands should always be washed before and after handling.

The larger decision sits further up the chain: specifying British Lion eggs and egg products as standard, and verifying that what arrives actually matches what was ordered. For kitchens working with large volumes, or pooling eggs for baking and batch cooking, British Lion liquid egg offers the same audited assurance in a format that saves preparation time. It is also worth noting that pasteurisation is not a safety guarantee on its own; if non-British Lion eggs are heavily contaminated to begin with, pasteurisation may not be enough to make them safe, which is why choosing British Lion egg products from the outset matters as much for processed egg as it does for shell eggs.

Telling serving staff why British Lion eggs are used, and sharing that reasoning with residents and visitors, is a small step that reinforces confidence in the food being served. Adding the British Lion mark to menus where relevant gives residents and families a clear, visible signal that a dish meets that standard.

For a sector operating under constant regulatory and reputational scrutiny, egg sourcing is a rare case where the safest choice and the most nutritionally valuable choice are the same. Getting it right costs little and asks little of kitchen teams, yet it closes off one of the more preventable risks on a care home menu.

by Tani Farinacci Johnson

Rodeo Rides Into Hythe for Martello Manor's Big Launch

Martello Manor's gardens turned into a corner of the Wild West on Saturday 22 August, as the Hythe care home threw open its gates for Rodeo Fest, its community grand launch.

Throughout the day, the lawns and courtyard at 18 Farmer Road filled with residents, families, team and neighbours from across Hythe, all dressed for the occasion, right down to the youngest guests in cowboy hats and cowgirl outfits.

Guests of all ages took to the courtyard for a group line dancing session, and the Bucking Bull drew a steady queue all afternoon, including one resident who sat down for a go and grinned straight at the camera, thumbs up, alongside another guest. Nearby, the Saddle Up Saloon and a barbecue cookout run by the home's culinary team kept the day fed and watered.

Marking a partnership with the local dementia forum

Among those who braved the Bucking Bull was Tracy West, Chairman of the Hythe Dementia Awareness Forum, who was at the home that day for a special reason. Partway through the afternoon, she unveiled a plaque marking the Forum's partnership with Martello Manor, a relationship the home has been building since it opened.

Building trust with families choosing care

What struck the team most, though, wasn't any single moment. It was the sight of the home simply full: residents who moved in earlier this summer mixing with the families who chose Martello Manor for them, staff members off duty and enjoying the day alongside the people they care for, and local people who had never set foot inside the home before finding a reason to come through the doors.

Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Martello Manor, has spent recent months guiding families through the decision to move a parent or partner into care, and says the day put that trust into sharper focus. "So many of the families I've worked with, some who've already made the move and some who are still deciding, were there mixing easily with residents and the wider community. When you see that kind of ease on a day like this, you know the trust people place in us is well founded."

For Home Manager Marlene Abreu, the day was as much about her team as it was about the guests. "My team gave up their Saturday to make this happen, and you could feel it in the atmosphere they created. Seeing residents, families and neighbours all in one place, laughing at the same jokes and cheering each other on the Bucking Bull, that's the warmth we want this home to be known for."

A community taking shape

Rodeo Fest builds on relationships Martello Manor has been forming since opening its doors in June, including its ongoing work with Hythe Town Football Club and the Royal British Legion Hythe & Saltwood Branch. Martin Murphy, Director of Operations at Boutique Care Homes, said delivering a day of this standard is not left to chance.

"An event like Rodeo Fest looks effortless from the outside, but it takes the same discipline and attention to detail we apply to care itself. As we grow as a group, that consistency is what we hold every home to, whether it's day forty or day four hundred," he said.

For Ameet Kotecha, Founder and Managing Director of Boutique Care Homes, the day was proof of something he has believed in since the company's earliest homes. "Martello Manor has been open a matter of months, and already you can see a real community taking shape around it. That's exactly what we set out to build when we open a new home: not just a place where people receive care, but a place people want to be part of. Seeing residents, families and neighbours together on the lawn like that tells me this home is already becoming what we hoped it would".

Martello Manor is still a young home, but days like this are exactly what its team set out to build: a place where care extends naturally into community, and where residents, families and neighbours find they belong together. That's not a happy accident. It's what Boutique Care Homes sets out to deliver, at Martello Manor and at every home in the group.

by digital@cimltd.co.uk

Stitching Connections: National Granny Square Day in Care Homes

A simple, sociable craft with lasting impact, National Granny Square Day offers care homes a flexible, month-long activity that supports wellbeing, sparks reminiscence and brings communities together, one stitch at a time.

A simple idea with real impact

In an era where meaningful engagement and person-centred care are rightly front and centre, sometimes the most effective activities are also the simplest. National Granny Square Day, held annually on the 15th August, offers care homes a low-cost, highly adaptable initiative that can run across the entire month, delivering therapeutic, social and creative benefits in equal measure.

At its core, the concept is straightforward: residents, staff, families and even members of the local community are encouraged to knit or crochet a granny square and share their creations online using the hashtag #NationalGrannySquareDay2026. Yet within this simplicity lies a powerful opportunity to build connection, stimulate memory and foster a genuine sense of achievement.

Flexible and accessible for all

One of the key advantages of granny squares as an activity is their accessibility. Unlike more complex crafts, a granny square can be completed in stages, making it ideal for residents who may tire easily or prefer shorter, more manageable sessions. This flexibility allows the activity to run throughout August, rather than being confined to a single day.

Sessions can be structured or informal, ranging from scheduled group activities to relaxed “knit and natter” gatherings in lounges or garden spaces. Residents can participate at their own pace, dipping in and out as they wish, which aligns well with best practice around autonomy and choice in care settings.

Supporting physical and cognitive wellbeing

From a therapeutic perspective, knitting and crochet offer clear benefits for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The repetitive, rhythmic movements involved in stitching can help maintain dexterity, particularly for those living with arthritis or reduced hand mobility.

Beyond the physical, there is also a cognitive dimension. Following patterns, counting stitches and selecting colours all contribute to mental stimulation. For some residents, particularly those in earlier stages of cognitive decline, these elements can provide gentle but meaningful cognitive exercise without feeling clinical or task-driven.

Unlocking reminiscence and identity

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of this activity lies in its ability to unlock personal histories. Many older adults have prior experience with sewing, knitting or crochet, often tied to memories of family life, wartime make-do-and-mend culture, or creating garments for children and grandchildren.

A simple granny square can therefore act as a prompt for reminiscence, sparking conversations that reinforce identity and encourage storytelling. These moments are invaluable in care environments, where maintaining a sense of self is closely linked to wellbeing.

For residents who have never knitted or crocheted before, the activity still holds value. Granny squares are widely regarded as an entry-level project, making them an ideal introduction to a new skill. With the right support, even complete beginners can experience the satisfaction of creating something tangible.

Strengthening social connection

The social dimension of a “knit and natter” session should not be underestimated. Craft-based activities naturally lend themselves to conversation, helping to reduce isolation and encourage peer interaction. For quieter residents, the shared focus of the task can make socialising feel less daunting.

There is also scope to extend this beyond the home itself. Inviting a local knitting or craft group to lead sessions can strengthen community links while bringing fresh energy into the environment. Intergenerational involvement, such as visits from schools or youth groups, can further enrich the experience, creating meaningful exchanges between residents and younger people.

Creating something that lasts

One of the most appealing aspects of National Granny Square Day is the potential to transform individual efforts into a collective outcome. As squares are completed, they can be stitched together to create larger items, most commonly blankets.

Depending on participation levels, homes might produce a single communal blanket for a lounge area, or multiple smaller pieces for different households or residents. These finished items are more than decorative; they serve as a tangible representation of collaboration and shared purpose.

Making it work in practice

To maximise engagement, activity coordinators should ensure a good supply of yarn in a variety of colours, along with appropriately sized hooks and needles. Softer, chunkier yarns can be easier for beginners to handle, while more experienced participants may enjoy experimenting with patterns or colour combinations.

Creating a comfortable, well-lit space will encourage residents to stay and socialise, and displaying completed squares in communal areas can help build momentum and a sense of progress. Encouraging staff and visiting family members to take part can further strengthen the inclusive feel of the activity.

More than just a craft

While on the surface this may appear to be a simple arts-and-crafts session, its impact can be far-reaching. National Granny Square Day aligns closely with key objectives in modern care provision: promoting wellbeing, supporting independence, encouraging social interaction and maintaining connections to personal history.

Crucially, it also provides an opportunity for joy. The act of creating, of choosing colours, forming patterns, and contributing to a shared goal can instil a sense of pride that resonates well beyond the activity itself.

For care homes seeking an August initiative that is inclusive, meaningful and easy to deliver, National Granny Square Day is a compelling choice. With minimal resources and a little coordination, it has the potential to bring residents, staff and the wider community together; one square at a time.

by Tani Farinacci Johnson