British egg producers have condemned the latest government advice on the salmonella outbreak as 'sowing the seeds of doubt' in the public's mind.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) on Saturday warned that under-fives, over-65s, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems should avoid products that might contain uncooked or runny eggs when eating out.

But it failed to tell the public that all eggs marked with the Lion trademark are British and '100 % safe', said Mark Williams, chairman of the British Egg Industry Council.

'The FSA's Chief Science adviser Ian Young said vulnerable groups should avoid raw or runny eggs.

'But what he didn't say is - and we are quite cross about this - except for the eggs with the Lion logo.' 

His organisation has written to the FSA to raise 'concern about the clarity of the message he gave,' he said.

'There is mixed messaging here which we are concerned could sow the seeds of doubt in the public's mind.'

He also criticised the Government for not naming the source of the outbreak.

About 40 million eggs are eaten in the UK a day of which four million are imported.