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The shell egg recall over possible Salmonella-related contamination continues to grow, with a 23rd state (Michigan) now involved. Lisa Schnirring writing for CIDRAP News has the latest, after which I’ll return with some FDA and CDC resources.
States affected by egg recall grow to 23
Lisa Schnirring
Staff Writer
Aug 25, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – Agriculture officials in Michigan said yesterday that eggs connected to the national Salmonella-related recall have been distributed in the state, though it wasn't mentioned in recall notices by the two Iowa companies at the center of the investigation, Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture said in a statement that an ongoing traceback investigation has revealed that some of the companies' customers are distributors and wholesalers that sold the eggs to Michigan customers.
Michigan's announcement raises the number of states affected by the recall to 23, according to a review of company recall notices. The two companies have recalled about 500 million eggs. Four smaller companies that repackaged and resold the eggs from the two companies have also issued recalls.
The FDA maintains a webpage on this recall, and continually adds new resources and links.
Recall of Shell Eggs
Updated August 26, 2010
Topics on this page:
- Introduction
- Identifying Recalled Brands and Products
- News Updates
- Consumer Health Information
- Information about Egg Safety and Salmonella
- Investigation into the Salmonella and Shell Egg Outbreak
Introduction
An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) that has sickened hundreds of people across the country has led to a recall of shell eggs. On August 13, Wright County Egg voluntarily conducted a nationwide recall of shell eggs on 3 of its 5 farms. Further epidemiologic and traceback information led to Wright County Egg expanding its recall on August 18 to cover all 5 farms and 380 million eggs (according to company figures). The FDA is monitoring the recall, including conducting audit checks at retail stores, wholesalers, and distributors to make sure the recalled shell eggs are being removed from the market. The FDA is in ongoing communications with Wright County Egg to ensure that appropriate preventive measures are put in place to reduce the risk of recurrence.
(Continue . . . )
The CDC meanwhile offers some advice on how to limit your chances of contracting Salmonella Enteritidis from shell eggs on their Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Salmonella from Eggs webpage.
What are the specific actions I can take to reduce my risk of a Salmonella Enteritidis infection?
- Keep eggs refrigerated at ≤ 45° F (≤7° C) at all times.
- Discard cracked or dirty eggs.
- Wash hands, cooking utensils, and food preparation surfaces with soap and water after contact with raw eggs.
- Eggs should be cooked until both the white and the yolk are firm and eaten promptly after cooking.
- Do not keep eggs warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigerate unused or leftover egg-containing foods promptly.
- Avoid eating raw eggs.
- Avoid restaurant dishes made with raw or undercooked, unpasteurized eggs. Restaurants should use pasteurized eggs in any recipe (such as Hollandaise sauce or Caesar salad dressing) that calls for raw eggs.
- Consumption of raw or undercooked eggs should be avoided, especially by young children, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems or debilitating illness.
Who is most at risk for getting Salmonella Enteritidis?
The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems may have a more severe illness. In these patients, the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
How do I know if I have Salmonella Enteritidis?
A person infected with the Salmonella Enteritidis bacterium usually has fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea beginning 12 to 72 hours after consuming a contaminated food or beverage. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without antibiotic treatment. However, the diarrhea can be severe, and the person may be ill enough to require hospitalization.
