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Eggs recalled after spike in salmonella cases

Nearly 300 million shell eggs distributed to restaurants and grocery stores across the country have been voluntarily recalled after being linked to a large increase in salmonella cases.

Federal and state health officials are investigating a nationwide increase in salmonella enteritidis illnesses that are believed to be linked to shell eggs. Since May, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified a four-fold increase in salmonella-related illness, with an average of 200 cases reported each week during late June and early July, compared with an average of about 50 cases per week over the past five years.

Investigators are focusing on reports out of California, Colorado and Minnesota tied to several restaurants or events where shell eggs are suspected, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The restaurants were not identified, but many of them received eggs from Wright County Egg in Galt, Iowa, which recalled 288 million shell eggs on Aug. 13.

The eggs were packed in varying sizes of cartons with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413, and 1946. The eggs are packed under the brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.

The recalled eggs went to wholesalers, distribution centers and foodservice companies in California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, the FDA said, but some of the companies that received the eggs also distribute nationwide.

Salmonella infections generally cause fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea beginning 12 to 72 hours after consuming the contaminated food or beverage, according to the CDC.

Seattle law firm Marler Clark has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a woman who said she was sickened in an outbreak in Wisconsin. The suit targets Baker Street Restaurant and Pub in Kenosha, Wis., but was later amended to include Wright County Egg.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].

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