More than a thousand people across the country have been sickened by salmonella-tainted eggs and some say the number will probably grow. The Center for Disease Control has counted at least 1,300 egg-borne cases of salmonella poisoning since the problem came to light a couple of weeks ago.
Millions of eggs have been recalled, reaching close to one half billion since the action was taken Aug. 13, 2010.
Two egg farms, both in Iowa, are the source of the tainted eggs, Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms. Fourteen states have been identified for recalling the eggs so far. They are Arkansas, California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.
The sources of salmonella-tainted eggs most often are rodents, contaminated hens, or feed containing the bacteria. The bacteria can be on the surface of the eggs as well as the inside depending upon how the infection is transmitted.
Salmonella symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal cramping
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Small rose spots
A food and safety expert at the Consumer Federation of America said, “You have to treat eggs with the assumption that they’re contaminated with salmonella.” However, if you know they are contaminated, even though properly cooking them kills the bacteria, you should throw them away.
The illness usually takes from eight to forty-eight hours to develop after someone has eaten the bacteria laden eggs. In people who are otherwise healthy, it can last from two to five days. In those whose systems are weak or compromised, the sickness can last as long as two weeks. Those most at risk for dangerous sickness are young children and persons with compromised immune systems.
Brands whose eggs have been recalled include: Albertson, Boomsma’s, Dutch Farms, Farm Fresh, Hillandale, Kemps, Lucerne, Lund, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Shoreland, Sunshine and Trafficanda.
If you’ve been diagnosed with salmonella, and you believe the source is tainted eggs, you may qualify to seek and recover compensation for your injuries and loss. To speak with an experienced product liability lawyer about the specifics of your case, contact The Killino Firm today.
