Egg sourcing in a changing market: insights, risks and best practice

Date: 
Thursday, 23 July, 2026 - 15:00 to 16:00
Location: 
Online

This webinar is sponsored by British Lion Code and is free for IFST members and non-members.

Join food safety expert Sterling Crew for an in-depth webinar exploring best practice in egg and egg product sourcing, with a particular focus on the often overlooked egg products sector. 

The session will examine the risks associated with imports from countries operating under different regulatory frameworks, where food safety standards may not match those required of British producers. Ukrainian eggs, for example, which the UK is importing in increasing volumes for processing and foodservice, have been consistently linked to food safety issues across Europe in the last year. 

We will also review key findings from the Shell Shocked report, highlighting ongoing challenges linked to imported eggs and their implications for food safety, traceability, and quality assurance in both shell and processed egg supply chains. 

Key topics include: 

  • Supply chain risks and compliance considerations 

  • Issues identified in imported egg and egg product supply chains 

  • Practical steps to strengthen traceability and reduce risk 

Whether you work in food manufacturing, hospitality, or retail, this session will provide practical insight to support safer, more transparent egg and egg product sourcing decisions. 

Chair: Craig Leadley, FIFST - Chief Executive, IFST

Craig is a PhD-qualified, Food Technologist, Chartered Scientist and seasoned food industry professional with over 30 years of experience spanning technical innovation, applied research, and strategic leadership. Currently serving as Chief Executive of the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), he is passionate about championing science and technology to drive healthier, more sustainable food systems and about building a strong community of food industry professionals. Prior to joining IFST, Craig spent nearly three decades at Campden BRI, where he led teams in a diverse range of disciplines - from new processing technologies to product development, factory hygiene and agriculture. His work has consistently focused on applied research delivering practical, near-market solutions for the food and drink sector.

He is fascinated by all things ‘new technology’ for the food industry and has been involved in many industry/academic research collaborations in this field. He is a published author and editor, and has contributed to numerous scientific papers and industry publications, and is a recognised voice in food technology circles. Craig is known for building strong partnerships across industry, academia, and government.

Speaker: Sterling Crew, FIFST, FRSPH, FCIEH, CEnvH, CSci
Independent Regulatory and Scientific Advisor 

Sterling is a food safety advocate and it’s on a portfolio of boards.He is Immediate Past President of the Institute of Food Science and Technology and is Chair of the Food Authenticity Network. Sterling is a trustee at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and sits on its Food Advisory Panel. He is co-founder of Kitchen Conversation. Managing Director of SQS and sis Vice Chair of the governance board at the Safe to Trade He is also on the audit governance board at Eurofins. He is the Independent Scientific and Regulatory Advisor at the food sharing App OLIO, British Lion Egg and Highfield Training. He recently joined the boards of the Food Fraud Advisory Committee of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and Vice Chair on the governance advisory board of  Safe Bites (Jamaica).

Sterling’s 45 experience as a regulator, retailer, brand owner, food manufacturer and trustee has given him a unique perspective of the challenges of food safety in the global food supply network.

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