The Food Standards Agency has welcomed the ban after a link was confirmed between a salmonella outbreak in people and feeder rodents used for reptile food originating from a premises in Lithuania.

The ban, imposed until further notice by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs comes after an investigation into an outbreak of salmonella affecting over 900 people in the UK. The FSA is continuing to urge people to be extra careful when handling any frozen rodents including mice product and packaging due to the risk of salmonella.

People should be extra vigilant, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after contact, when handling not just the product, but their reptiles and associated equipment and environment, due to the risk of the illness. 

Tina Potter, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency said: “As we have continued to see a rise in the number of cases of Salmonella Enteritidis linked to feeder rodents imported from Lithuania over the past number of months, we welcome Defra’s move to ban these products from being imported and sold across the UK.

“Even though this ban has been introduced to ensure public health is protected, we cannot emphasise enough the importance of good hygiene practice when handling raw or frozen pet food, as well as the reptile itself”

“The feed should be suitably stored, ideally in a dedicated storage compartment or freezer, not in contact with human food and it should always be defrosted naturally at room temperature on newspaper or paper towels away from human food and food preparation surfaces. Any surfaces and equipment used should be thoroughly disinfected.

“Handlers and pet owners must always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after handling the frozen and defrosted feed and handling your reptile and their equipment.”

Further general advice on reducing the risk of contracting salmonella is available online. Click here to view.