Large brown cage-free eggs from a small egg farm in San Bernardino County are at the center of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened dozens of people in dozens of states, public health officials said Thursday.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is investigating Lucerne Valley-based Country Eggs LLC after its Sunshine/Golden Yolk Omega-3 eggs were found to be contaminated with salmonella.
According to the data, at least 95 people were infected with salmonella in 14 states, including California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Possibly contaminated eggs were sold under the brands Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho, Nijiya Market and Country Eggs.
(FDA)
There were 18 hospitalizations reported due to the illness.
The FDA has conducted a reverse investigation, in which officials interview sick patients to determine what food made them sick and where the contaminated food came from. Based on reports of where the sick individuals shopped or ate, investigators pointed to Country Eggs LLC as a common supplier.
The company has agreed to recall the eggs, which are packaged in individual retail cartons and are branded as Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho, Nijiya Markets and Country Eggs.
The recalled products were distributed between June 16 and July 9 in California and Nevada with package code CA 7695. The boxes will also have a sell-by date of July 1st through September 18th.
The eggs have a best before date of September 18 and are coded CA 7695.
(FDA)
If you have recalled eggs in your refrigerator, health officials advise you to throw the carton in the trash or return it to where you bought it. If the eggs touch any surface or objects in your home, wash the area and your hands with hot, soapy water.
Be aware of the symptoms of severe salmonella poisoning:
- Diarrhea and fever above 102°F.
- Diarrhea for more than three days, no improvement.
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Vomiting to the point that you cannot keep down fluid.
- Signs of dehydration, which include infrequent urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.
If you or your family members experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor.
