Egg-pocalypse Now Millions of Eggs Recalled Amid Salmonella Scare!

Major Salmonella Outbreak Prompts Recall of Over 1.7 Million Eggs Across Multiple States

A widespread Salmonella outbreak has triggered a significant recall of eggs across several states, prompting investigations by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The outbreak, linked to at least 1.7 million eggs, is raising concerns about food safety and public health.

The implicated eggs, identified as brown cage-free and brown certified organic, were distributed by the August Egg Company between February 3 and May 15. The distribution spanned nine states: California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana, and Wyoming, according to the FDA.

Recall Details:

• The Hilmar, California-based August Egg Company initiated the recall of 1.7 million eggs on Friday.
• Affected eggs have sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19.
• These eggs were sold at major retailers, including Walmart and Safeway, as well as under various other brands (a comprehensive list can be found here).

Impact of the Outbreak:

According to the CDC, the outbreak has already led to 79 reported cases across New Jersey, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington state, and California. Alarmingly, at least 21 individuals have required hospitalization, although no fatalities have been reported to date.

The CDC warns that the actual number of affected individuals is likely much higher. "This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported,” the CDC stated. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella."

Understanding Salmonella:

Salmonella is a bacterium known for causing foodborne illnesses. Infection can occur through the consumption of contaminated food or water, or through contact with animals, their feces, or their environments. The CDC identifies Salmonella as "a leading cause of food-borne illness, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States and worldwide," estimating approximately 1.35 million infections annually in the U.S. alone.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps

These symptoms can manifest anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. Young children (under five), the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.

Recommended Actions:

• Consumers: The CDC urges anyone possessing recalled eggs to discard them immediately or return them to the point of purchase.
• Businesses: Retailers and food service establishments are instructed to cease selling or serving the recalled eggs and to thoroughly sanitize any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with them.

August Egg Company's Response:

In response to the outbreak, the August Egg Company has reportedly begun sending its eggs to an “egg-breaking facility” for pasteurization to eliminate potential pathogens. “August Egg Company’s internal food safety team also is conducting its own stringent review to identify what measures can be established to prevent this situation from recurring,” the company stated. “We are committed to addressing this matter fully and to implementing all necessary corrective actions to ensure this does not happen again.”

Ongoing Concerns:

It's important to note that this is not the only Salmonella outbreak currently under investigation. Last month, the FDA announced a recall of cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales, which has sickened 45 people and hospitalized 16 across 18 states.

The FDA’s investigation into the cucumber-related outbreak is still ongoing.

This latest egg recall underscores the importance of vigilance regarding food safety. Consumers should remain informed about recalls and practice safe food handling to minimize the risk of Salmonella infection. While the August Egg Company is taking steps to address the issue, constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols across the food supply chain are crucial to preventing future outbreaks and protecting public health.

Tags: Salmonella outbreak, egg recall, August Egg Company, FDA, CDC, food safety, contaminated eggs, Walmart, Safeway, food recall

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/recall/cdc-fda-eggs-salmonella-recall-rcna211610