The Iowa Department of Public Health has confirmed several cases of salmonella linked to the consumption of eggs. The outbreak is part of a larger nationwide outbreak that has sickened hundreds of people in nine states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for certain brands of eggs that have been linked to the outbreak.
Iowa is among the nine states that have reported cases of salmonella after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the egg recall in early September. The recalled eggs were produced by Rose Acre Farms, an Indiana-based company that supplies eggs to retailers nationwide.
Iowa Reports Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs
As of September 16, 2022, Iowa had reported 10 cases of salmonella linked to the recalled eggs. The majority of cases have been in adults, and no hospitalizations or deaths have been reported in the state.
Symptoms of salmonella infection typically include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, salmonella can cause dehydration, sepsis, and even death.
The FDA is urging consumers to check their refrigerators for any recalled eggs and to discard them immediately. Consumers should also avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs, as they may contain salmonella bacteria.
The FDA's recall includes eggs that were sold under the following brand names:
* Coburn Farms
* Country Daybreak
* Crystal Farms
* Food Club
* Homeland
* Imperial
* Jewel
* Lucky Layne
* Lucerne
* Maver Farms
* Mountain Dairy
* Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs
* Ralph's
* Shurfine
* Sunshine Farms
* Target
* Trader Joe's
* Wegmans
Consumers who have purchased eggs from any of these brands should check the packaging for the lot code. Eggs with lot codes starting with 1026 through 2055 are included in the recall.
If you have consumed recalled eggs and are experiencing symptoms of salmonella infection, you should seek medical attention immediately.
The FDA is working with Rose Acre Farms to identify the source of the salmonella contamination and to prevent further outbreaks.
In the meantime, consumers should take the following steps to protect themselves from salmonella infection:
* Buy eggs from reputable sources.
* Check eggs for cracks or damage before purchasing them.
* Store eggs in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
* Cook eggs thoroughly before eating them.
* Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs, including in homemade mayonnaise, custards, and sauces.
* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling eggs.
