CNN reports that cases of Salmonella enteritidis have nearly tripled in relation to contaminated eggs. Incidents are likely to only increase due to the fact that infections after July 17 may not have been reported yet because of a two- to three-week gap between when an individual becomes ill and when the case is reported and recorded in the system.
The salmonella outbreak impelled Galt, Iowa-based Wright County Egg to recall eggs last week, and the company increased the recall to 380 million eggs on August 18. Wright County Egg is working to determine how the shell eggs are being contaminated with salmonella. Eggs were distributed in California, Arizona and Nevada. For a complete list of recalled egg products, please refer to the Egg Safety Center’s website.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that hundreds of Americans have probably become ill from tainted eggs in recent months. 1,953 cases of Salmonella were reported from May 1 to July 31; a time period that normally contains approximately 700 cases.
A Food and Drug Administration official stated that the egg recall can be referred to as one of the largest shell egg recalls in recent history. The FDA is also claiming that the egg salmonella outbreak could have been avoided if the latest egg safety rule had been in place before July. The FDA’s new safety rules for large-scale egg producers came after the salmonella outbreak. It covers cleanliness, refrigeration of stored and transported eggs, rodent control, pasteurization, and requires a written Salmonella enteritidis prevention plan. The new preventative measures should lower the amount of infections from eggs by almost 60%.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning may include headache, fever, diarrhea, chills, vomiting, muscle pains, and abdominal cramps; all of which usually start to affect a person within 12 to 72 hours of consumption and may last for four to seven days. Salmonella contamination is not to be taken lightly, especially since the elderly, infants, and those with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk of developing more serious illnesses and even life-threatening complications.
The California product defect attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP are leaders in consumer law and have obtained several large verdicts and settlements for family members who have lost loved ones and those who have suffered injury or illness due to dangerous, contaminated, or defective products. If you or someone you care about has developed salmonella poisoning and believe that contaminated eggs included in the recall are to blame, you may be able to seek compensation from negligent parties. Call our personal injury and product liability attorneys at 877-800-1700 today for a free consultation.
