Indiana-based Rose Acre Farms has voluntarily recalled 206,749,248 eggs due to possible salmonella contamination. It's the largest egg recall in the U.S. since 2010.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall in an advisory on its website. The federal agency said that the recall was done with tons of caution.
Over 200 million eggs produced by the farm are potentially contaminated with Salmonella Braenderup, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children. At least 22 illnesses in the East Coast linked to the eggs have been reported so far.
The eggs originated from Rose Acre's production farm in Hyde County, North Carolina. The farm produces 2.3 million eggs daily from 3 million laying hens that are commonly distributed to retail stores and restaurants. The eggs possibly reached consumers in nine states, namely Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Throw Away Or Return The Eggs
The affected eggs can be identified by their carton or package that has plant number P-1065, with a date range of 011 through 102 printed on either the side portion or the principal side of the carton or packaging.
The eggs are sold and distributed under the brand names Country Daybreak, Boburn Farms, Crystal Farms, Sunshine Farms, and Glenview. Some were reportedly sold at Walmart and Food Lion stores.
The FDA posted a full recall list with product numbers on its website.
"Consumers with these eggs shouldn't eat them," says Scott Gottlieb, the FDA Commissioner.
The agency advised the public to throw away the eggs or return them to the place of purchase for credit or refund.
Health Risks Of Salmonella Infection
Individuals who are infected with Salmonella Braenderup can experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain within 12 to 72 hours after infection.
The illness commonly lasts up to four to seven days. Infected patients often recover without treatment, however, severe infection may require hospitalization.
"Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised.
Children below 5 years old, older adults, and individuals with a weakened immune system are more likely to experience severe illness from Salmonella infection. The more severe illnesses may include arterial infections, infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.
The FDA is already investigating the matter. Inspection of farm facilities and interviews of the victims are also underway.
The largest recall of table eggs happened in 2010. More than half a million eggs were recalled from two Iowa egg farms owned by Quality Egg after a nationwide Salmonella outbreak had infected thousands of people. Quality Egg ended up paying $7 million in fines and its owners served jail term in federal prison.
