LOCAL health bosses want a crackdown on the use of raw eggs in cooking following a salmonella outbreak that left more than 100 people ill.

Four people were treated in hospital in April after eating chocolate mousse produced by Marc Cooper Catering on Bury Old Road in Whitefield.

An investigation into the infection has led to calls for tough new measures outlawing the use of raw eggs in uncooked or lightly cooked food.

Dr Olu Olojugba, consultant in communicable disease control for Bury and Rochdale, said: "Luckily there were no deaths associated with the incident, but clearly action needs to be taken to minimise the chances of another outbreak on this scale."

While the use of raw eggs in cooking is legal, Dr Kenneth Calman, the Department of Health's chief medical officer advises against it. Bury and Rochdale Health Authority would like to see caterers legally forced to follow this advice.

Some 500 eggs were used to prepare the mousse which was eaten during the Jewish Passover celebrations although just one could have caused the outbreak.

Other recommendations from the investigation include:

Discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to identify salmonella infected flocks.

Advice on safety measures distributed to all sections of the catering industry.

Increasing public awareness about the risks from raw eggs.

Identifying particular 'at risk' times such as religious festivals.

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