Multistate salmonella outbreak triggers recall of over 1.7 million eggs, as the CDC and FDA launch an investigation.
Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Affected Eggs: What You Should Know
When it comes to a multistate Salmonella outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aren't messing around. The culprit? A whopping 1.7 million eggs distributed from February 3 through May 15 by the August Egg Company, which found its way to retailers in nine states: California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana, and Wyoming.
Apparently, the affected eggs were brown, cage-free, and organic, and even notable brands like Walmart, Safeway, Clover, First Street, Nulaid, O Organics, Marketside, Raleys, Simple Truth, and Sun Harvest got hit [2][3].
As of now, the outbreak has made 79 people sick and hospitalized 21 in New Jersey, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington state, and California. Despite this alarming number, the true count of sick individuals may be substantially higher because many recover without seeking medical attention [1].
Want to protect yourself? Throw away those recalled eggs ASAP, or return them to the retailer that sold them if you still have them. Businesses should avoid selling or serving the recalled eggs and quickly sanitize any item or surface that's potentially been contaminated [1].
For the August Egg Company, they've begun pasteurizing their eggs to kill any lingering pathogens following the salmonella scare. Their internal food safety team is busy reviewing procedures and identifying measures to prevent future outbreaks [4].
When it comes to salmonella, symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Kids under 5, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to serious illnesses [5].
This isn't the only salmonella outbreak in the US right now. Last month, the FDA recalled cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales due to yet another salmonella outbreak that has sickened 45 across 18 states [6]. The FDA's investigation into these cucumbers continues.
Stay safe and vigilant!
Sources:[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April 10, 2021.[2] August Egg Company, April 10, 2021.[3] CDC Salmonella Outbreak Investigation, April 9, 2021.[4] August Egg Company Recall Notice, April 9, 2021.[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2020.[6] Food and Drug Administration, March 2021.
Engaging in health-and-wellness practices, it's essential to be aware of both the multistate Salmonella outbreak and the potential contamination in food-and-drink items. To avoid harm, especially for those at higher risk like children under 5, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems, practice lifestyle precautions such as thoroughly cooking all food items, including brown cage-free and organic eggs, which are currently being recalled.
