Lessons Learned from the Massive Egg Recall

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, report there have been more than half a billion eggs recalled over fears that they are contaminated with salmonella bacteria

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has traced one of the sources of salmonella back to a massive mill that produces chicken feed. Some chickens were infected by the feed and passed the bacteria onto their eggs.

The salmonella enteritidis bacteria at the root of the recall can be found in the intestinal tracts of animals, birds, reptiles and insects. It can also appear on the outside of the egg shells before they are washed or inside the egg if the hen was infected. Poor refrigeration, improper handling and insufficient cooking are also factors that have contributed to disease outbreaks. Salmonella is killed by heat, so eggs handled and cooked properly should not cause human illness.

Egg production has changed to the Midwest, where feed costs are down and land is abundant. Today, the nation’s leading egg producers are in Iowa, home to 53 million egg-laying hens. Fewer producers and massive egg-laying houses increase the opportunities both for an outbreak and for tainted eggs to find their way into the nation’s food supply. Buying local eggs, even if they cost much more, looks increasingly appealing. Shopping at local farmer’s market is of choice for various people as they can buy fresh and good quality vegetables, fruits and food items at a reasonable price.

To help combat the salmonella bacteria, there may be a new bill requiring farmers to vaccinate hens against salmonella, they announced Sunday. They say the vaccinations would cost about a penny per dozen eggs, and could prevent more than 100,000 cases of salmonella per year.