Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Egg Recall
A salmonella outbreak linked to a large egg recall has affected dozens of people in seven states in the west and midwest, according to federal health officials. The outbreak has led to the recall of around 1.7 million brown organic and brown cage-free eggs distributed to grocery stores between February and May.
Recall Details
The recall, announced on Friday, covers eggs sold in Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming. The plant code numbers for the recalled eggs are P-6562 or CA-5330. Consumers are advised to check the packaging for these codes and discard or return the eggs to the place of purchase.
Impact of the Outbreak
At least 79 people in seven states have been infected with salmonella linked to the eggs, and 21 people have been hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating the outbreak and urging consumers to take precautions to prevent further illness.
Symptoms and Prevention
The symptoms of salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps. Most people who get sick recover within a week, but infections can be serious in small children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The CDC advises people to throw away or return the recalled eggs and to wash and disinfect all surfaces that came into contact with the eggs.
Response from the Egg Company
The August Egg Company, which produced the recalled eggs, has stated that it is conducting its own review to determine what measures can be taken to prevent this situation from happening again. The company has committed to treating the matter thoroughly and implementing all necessary corrective measures to ensure that this does not happen again.
Recent Salmonella Outbreaks
This outbreak is the latest in a series of salmonella outbreaks linked to food products. Recently, a tomato recall was upgraded to a Class I recall, the most serious warning by the Food and Drug Administration, due to possible salmonella contamination. Additionally, almost four dozen people in 18 states have fallen ill with salmonella food poisoning linked to recalled cucumbers.
