Millions of eggs removed from European shelves over toxicity fears

Recalls in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium and criminal inquiry launched as tests show high levels of insecticide fipronil

Millions of eggs are being recalled from shops and warehouses in Germany and the Netherlands and being blocked from sale in Belgium after some were found to contain high levels of a toxic insecticide banned from use in the production of food for human consumption.

About 180 Dutch farms have been temporarily shut down and a criminal investigation has been launched as authorities seek to establish the scale of the problem.