Salmonella-tainted eggs could have been sold in state
ALBANY, GA. -- An egg recall that began last week in a few states has now expanded to Georgia. 380 million eggs are being recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Mike’s Country Store on Philema Road reacted quickly to news that an egg recall expanded to Georgia.
“I was emailed before nine o’clock by our egg buyer that we have never received any of those code dated eggs,” says Ronnie Newton, sales consultant.
“[Newton], told us we didn’t have anything to worry about,” says Mike’s Country Store Owner Diane Rogers.
The FDA has released codes for cartons that could have contaminated eggs. Cartons with these eggs include the first four digits (the plant number) of 1720 or 1942, and the last three digits (the Julian dates) of 136 through 229. Officials recommend that if consumers see these codes, return the eggs to the store for credit. The Public Health Department also recommends that when in doubt, throw it out.
“This is nothing to play around with,” says DeWayne Tanner, District Environmental Health Director.
If you have consumed the recalled eggs, look for the signs of Salmonella.
“The onset for illness from Salmonella is between 12 to 72 hours on average. The symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain,” Tanner says.
If you have these symptoms, visit a doctor or emergency room. So far, no illnesses related to this recall have been reported in Georgia, but authorities do believe the contaminated eggs were sold in the state.
“Something happened in the process and obviously it’s gotten out,” Tanner says of the egg manufacturing procedures.
If you’re still unsure of the eggs, Rogers highly recommends people ask.
“We’ll tell them everything, where we got our eggs from, because we don’t’ want anyone getting anything bad,” she says.
For more updates about this egg recall, visit www.fda.gov.
The Public Health Department says people also need to remember the precautions to take when handling eggs or poultry.
- After handling raw chicken, immediately wash your hands to avoid cross-contamination.
- Refrigerate eggs.
- Dispose of cracked eggs. They could have been exposed to other bacteria.
- Cook eggs properly.
- Follow the expiration date on the carton.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWFXL