Egg Recall in Iowa – Due to Salmonella Poisoning!

Egg Recall in Iowa
from the CBS News article can be found here

The recall involves 228 million eggs produced in Galt, Iowa by Wright County Egg, and distributed to wholesalers and food service companies nationwide. The recall affects eggs sold under the following brands: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralphs, Boomsmas, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms, and Kemps.

If you have suspect eggs, check the dates and codes stamped on the end of the carton. The plant numbers affected are P-1026, P-1413, and P-1946. The dates (recorded in the Julian format) range from 136 to 225, according to a statement by the Egg Safety Center. For example, eggs in a carton marked with the number P-1026 137 should not be eaten.

This scares me so much you just dont know who to trust anymore! Ive heard of Salmonella outbreaks from peanut butter, pre-packaged salads, and undercooked meat, but this is just sad.

Salmonella poisoning is especially dangerous for pregnant women (me!) and people who have weakened immune systems. Here are some good tips Ive found for avoiding getting sick from your food:

  • Cook all meats thoroughly this means no pink spots in hamburgers or chicken! If youre at a restaurant, dont be too shy to send your meat back to be cooked further if youre concerned.
  • Wash your hands and workspace after handling raw meats and eggs.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating (something I slack off on now and then).

More tips to avoid salmonella poisoning can be found here.

Specific to egg safety:

  • Keep eggs cold and the refrigerator temperature at <45 degrees.
  • Throw away cracked eggs.
  • Cook eggs until both the yolk and white is firm.
  • Dont eat raw eggs if I know Im going to be tempted to taste my cookie dough I do it before adding eggs.

Read more about how to reduce your risk of salmonella poisoning here at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The symptoms of Salmonella poisoning are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. If you think you might have this, you should definitely go see your doctor.

This really makes me want to hit our local farmers market on Saturday and pick up some fresh eggs. They may be $5.00 a dozen but at least I know theyre coming straight from the chicken to me!

What do you think of this salmonella outbreak?