FDA Announces Egg Recall Due to Salmonella Contamination—Check Your Fridge Now

# FDA Announces Egg Recall Due to Salmonella Contamination—Check Your Fridge Now

A recent food safety alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put a common kitchen staple under scrutiny. An **FDA announces egg recall due to Salmonella contamination** notice has been issued for products from a major distributor, prompting an urgent call for consumers to check their refrigerators. This recall affects several brands and has been linked to a potential outbreak of Salmonellosis, a common but serious foodborne illness.

This article provides all the essential information you need to determine if you have the recalled eggs, what to do if you find them, and how to protect yourself and your family from Salmonella. Taking a few minutes to read this and check your groceries could prevent a serious health issue.

## What You Need to Know About the Egg Recall

When a food recall is announced, the details are critical. The contamination is not widespread across all eggs in the country but is linked to a specific farm and production period. Here’s a breakdown of the specific products included in this alert.

### Which Eggs Are Being Recalled?

The recall is for shell eggs sourced from Rose Acre Farms’ Hyde County, North Carolina facility. These eggs were sold under multiple brand names, which can make identification tricky. Always check the carton for the plant number and date codes.

* **Plant Number:** The carton must have the plant number **P-1065** printed on the side.
* **Julian Date:** The affected packages have Julian dates ranging from **011 through 102**. The Julian date is a three-digit code that represents the day of the year (e.g., January 11 is 011; April 12 is 102).
* **Brand Names:** The eggs were sold under brand names including Coburn Farms, Country Daybreak, Crystal Farms, Food Lion, Glenview, Great Value, Nelms, and Sunshine Farms. Remember, even if you have one of these brands, the eggs are only recalled if they also have the P-1065 plant number and fall within the specified Julian date range.

### Where Were the Contaminated Eggs Sold?

The recalled eggs were distributed to retail stores and restaurants in the following states:

* Colorado
* Florida
* New Jersey
* New York
* North Carolina
* Pennsylvania
* South Carolina
* Virginia
* West Virginia

If you live in one of these states and have recently purchased eggs, it is especially important to check your cartons. The eggs were also sold to restaurants, so be mindful if you are dining out.

## What to Do If You Have the Recalled Eggs

Finding out you have a recalled product in your home can be alarming, but following a few simple steps will ensure your safety.

### 1. Do Not Eat Them

This is the most important step. Do not consume the eggs, even if you plan to cook them thoroughly. Do not feed them to pets. The risk of cross-contamination in your kitchen is too high. It is better to be safe and discard the product.

### 2. How to Dispose of the Eggs Safely

To prevent the potential spread of bacteria, you should dispose of the eggs carefully. Seal them in a plastic bag before placing them in your garbage can. This prevents the eggs from breaking open and contaminating other surfaces or attracting pests. After handling the carton or the eggs, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Also, sanitize any surfaces in your refrigerator or on your counters that the egg carton may have touched.

### 3. Getting a Refund

You should not have to bear the financial loss for a recalled product. Return the carton to the place of purchase for a full refund. You do not need to bring the eggs back with you; the carton or your receipt is typically sufficient proof of purchase.

## Understanding the Risk: What is Salmonella?

The reason the **FDA announces egg recall due to Salmonella contamination** is to prevent a widespread outbreak of Salmonellosis. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is a common cause of foodborne illness. It is naturally found in the intestines of animals, including chickens, and can contaminate the inside of eggs before the shells are even formed. It can also get onto the outside of the shell from bird droppings.

### What are the Symptoms of Salmonella Infection?

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, or Salmonellosis, typically appear 12 to 72 hours after consuming the contaminated food. The most common symptoms include:

* Diarrhea (can be bloody)
* Fever
* Stomach cramps
* Nausea and vomiting
* Headache

Most healthy people recover within four to seven days without specific treatment. However, the illness can be more severe in some individuals.

### Who is Most at Risk?

While anyone can get sick from Salmonella, some groups are more likely to develop a serious illness. These include:

* **Older Adults:** Immune systems can weaken with age.
* **Infants and Young Children:** Their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
* **Pregnant Women:** The illness can pose a risk to the fetus.
* **People with Weakened Immune Systems:** This includes individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and those with autoimmune diseases.

For these vulnerable populations, a Salmonella infection can lead to severe dehydration or cause the infection to spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other parts of thebody, which can be life-threatening.

## General Egg Safety Tips to Protect Your Family

Beyond this specific recall, practicing good egg safety is always a smart idea. These habits can significantly reduce your risk of encountering foodborne pathogens.

### Buy Smart

When you’re at the grocery store, open the egg carton and inspect the eggs.
* Make sure they are clean and that none are cracked or broken.
* Only buy eggs that are sold from a refrigerated case.
* Check the “sell-by” or “EXP” date on the carton.

### Store Eggs Properly

As soon as you get home, put your eggs in the refrigerator.
* Store them at 40°F (4°C) or below. Your refrigerator should be set at this temperature.
* Keep them in their original carton to protect them from damage and prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods.
* Store them on an inside shelf of the fridge, not in the door. The temperature in the door fluctuates more, which is not ideal for eggs.

### Cook Eggs Thoroughly

Cooking eggs until both the yolk and white are firm is the best way to kill any potential bacteria.
* For scrambled eggs, cook until there is no visible liquid egg remaining.
* For fried eggs, cook them on both sides or cook covered until the yolk is firm.
* For dishes containing eggs, like casseroles or quiches, use a food thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

### Practice Good Kitchen Hygiene

Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw eggs and their juices away from other foods.
* Wash your hands, utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water after they come into contact with raw eggs.
* Never place cooked food back on a plate that previously held raw eggs.

Food safety is a top priority, and staying informed is the first step. Take a moment now to check your fridge and ensure the eggs you have are safe for consumption.