Hillandale Farms Recalls Eggs Due to Salmonella Contamination

CREDIT: GiniMiniGi | sxc.hu

The FDA announced today that Hillandale Farms of Iowa is voluntarily recalling shell eggs because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Eggs affected by this recall were distributed to grocery distribution centers, retail grocery stores and foodservice companies which service or are located in fourteen states, including: Arkansas, California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin, according to the FDA.

There have been laboratory-confirmed Salmonella enteritidis illnesses associated with the shell eggs; the FDA investigation is ongoing.

The recalled eggs are distributed under the following brand names: Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms and Sunny Meadow, and are sold in 6-egg cartons, dozen-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, 30-egg package and 5-dozen cases.

Loose eggs are packaged under the brand names Wholesome Farms and West Creek, in 15 and 30-dozen tray packs. The loose eggs may also be repackaged by customers.

The only eggs affected by this recall have plant numbers P1860 and Julian dates ranging from 099 to 230 or plant number P1663 and Julian dates ranging from 137 to 230.

The FDA emphasized that only eggs with these plant numbers are affected.

Julian dates and plant codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton or printed on the case label. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number.

The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P1860 230.

Consumers who believe they may have purchased these shell eggs should not eat them but should return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact Hillandale Farms at (866) 262-4208.

Hillandale Farms is fully cooperating with FDA's investigation and are undertaking this voluntary recall. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, the company is also diverting its existing inventory of shell eggs.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis.