Fipronil – broad-spectrum insecticide, one of a group of compounds known as phenylpyrazoles. Andy Brunning over on Compound Interest cracks open the story…
To quote Compound Interest:
It appears that Fipronil was mixed in with a red mite treatment, Dega-16, in order to enhance its effectiveness. Red mites are common pests on poultry farms. Fipronil is not authorised to be used around or on food-producing animals. How the Dega-16 product became contaminated is unclear and a criminal investigation is underway.
He adds that:
The amounts present in the contaminated eggs are much lower, and at these levels it is unlikely to be a risk to public health.
More to the point:
Affected products have already been withdrawn from sale
