Who Resigned from the British Government in 1988 for Saying Most Eggs Were Unsafe to Eat?

In 1988, the British government faced a major controversy when Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, John Gummer, made a shocking announcement. He declared that most eggs in Britain were contaminated with salmonella and advised the public not to consume them. This statement caused panic among consumers and led to a significant drop in egg sales.

As a result of his controversial remarks, John Gummer faced severe backlash from the poultry industry and his fellow government officials. Despite initially standing by his statement, Gummer eventually resigned from his position in the government due to the controversy surrounding his remarks. His resignation sparked a debate about food safety regulations in the UK and raised questions about the government's handling of public health issues.

The incident involving John Gummer and the contaminated eggs highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government. It also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of making bold statements without sufficient evidence to back them up.

If you would like to learn more about the controversy surrounding John Gummer's resignation in 1988, you can visit the following BBC article for more information. Additionally, you can read about the impact of the salmonella scare on the poultry industry and the measures taken to improve food safety standards in the UK.

Overall, the incident involving John Gummer and the contaminated eggs serves as a cautionary tale for government officials and policymakers. It underscores the importance of conducting thorough research and consulting with experts before making public statements that can have far-reaching consequences.

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