HEALTH advice has been issued by the Food Standards Agency to reduce the risk of salmonella from hen eggs.

It follows several outbreaks of egg-related salmonella enteritis which causes severe diarrhoea that can be serious for the young, elderly and for pregnant women.

Barnsley Council said it is not aware of a specific problem in the borough but that about 40 reports a month are made nationally.

The FSA advice includes: always washing and drying hands before and after touching or using eggs; storing eggs in a cool dry place and always using them within their best-before-date; not using damaged or dirty eggs; being careful not to splash eggs onto other foods and surfaces, and thoroughly cleaning food areas, dishes and utensils after using eggs and before starting other jobs.