Millions of eggs have been recalled and the Food and Drug Administration may expand the recall after further investigation of two Iowa farms.
Wright County Eggs and Hillandale Farms both voluntarily recalled eggs, packaged under various label names, due to possible salmonella contamination.
The shelled eggs were packaged between May and August and distributed to 17 states across the nation.
The recall came after thousands of consumers became sick after eating the eggs in question.
The most common symptoms of salmonella poisoning include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache.
The symptoms can show up anywhere between 6 to 72 hours after consuming the infected food.
Some people recover from salmonella poisoning without any treatment, but it can be life-threatening to children, elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Therefore, medical attention is recommended.
Cooking the eggs can kill the bacteria.
However, recalled eggs should not be eaten and should be returned to the store where they were purchased for a refund or thrown away.
The salmonella egg outbreak may lead people to avoid eggs for awhile, but if kept refrigerated and cooked thoroughly eggs are still a healthy food.
Eggs contain essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Avoid eating raw eggs and check egg cartons to make sure they are not part of the recall.
The effected eggs have plant numbers 1026, 1413, 1946 and Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225.
Also, plant number 1860 with Julian dates from 099 to 230, and plant number 1663 with Julian dates ranging from 137 to 230.
Plant numbers and Julian dates are stamped on the side of all egg cartons.
The cause of the salmonella outbreak at the egg farms is currently being looked in to.
It is likely that the eggs, chickens, or chicken feed was not properly taken care of and led to the bacteria contamination.