News & Events
UPDATE: August 20, 2010: Related nationwide recall:
Eggs from Hillandale Farms may put consumers at risk for Salmonella.
Through tracebacks conducted as part of its ongoing investigation into the increase of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses nationwide, FDA and the State of Minnesota identified Hillandale Farms in Iowa as a second potential source of contaminated shell eggs.
Eggs affected by this latest recall are distributed under the following brand names: Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms, and Sunny Meadow in 6-egg cartons, dozen-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, 30-egg package, and 5-dozen cases. Loose eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Wholesome Farms and West Creek in 15 and 30-dozen tray packs. The loose eggs may also be repackaged by customers.
Eggs involved in this related recall are only eggs with the following plant numbers:
P1860 – Julian (production) numbers ranging from 099 to 230
P1663 – Julian (production) numbers ranging from 137 to 230
FDA continues to have on-site investigators at Hillandale Farms of Iowa, Inc. and Wright County Egg in Iowa.
FDA NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: August 19, 2010
Media Inquiries: Pat El-Hinnawy: 301-796-4763; patricia.el-hinnawy@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
URGENT Nationwide Egg Recall
Eggs in Their Shells May Put Consumers at Risk for Salmonella
- The current recall of eggs in their shells, or “shell eggs,” is part of an ongoing and intensive investigation by local, state, and federal officials into the cause of recent cases of Salmonella Enteritidis.
- This recall affects shell eggs produced by Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa. The eggs are packaged under different brand names and distributed nationwide.
- The shell eggs may contain Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and may cause serious illness.
- Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
- Consumers should throw away the product or return the product to the store.
An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) that has sickened hundreds of people across the country has led to a recall of shell eggs.
Working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners, the FDA reviewed epidemiologic and environmental investigation documents and identified 3 best-case clusters of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses. Tracebacks revealed Wright County Egg in Iowa as the common shell egg supplier in these clusters.
Where is it Distributed?
The recall affects eggs shipped since May 16, 2010 were sent to food wholesalers, distribution centers and foodservice companies in California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Iowa.
Does FDA have the authority to inspect egg farms?
In the past, FDA has inspected egg farms under its broad authorities applicable to all food, focusing on farms linked to recalls. The egg rule, which just went into effect for large farms on July 9, 2010, provides specific requirements applicable to egg producers that will greatly facilitate compliance.
Generally, USDA is responsible for egg safety at what are called breaker plants or egg products processing facilities. In these facilities eggs are broken and pasteurized. FDA is responsible for shell egg safety and egg products once they leave the breaking facility.
For More Information:
- Spanish Version of News Release
- How can I tell if my eggs have been recalled?
- FoodSafety.gov
- Additional Background on Salmonella Outbreak in Shell Eggs
- CDC: Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Salmonella from Eggs
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