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More than 1.5 million dozen shell eggs sold in six states have been voluntarily recalled over potential salmonella contamination, federal regulators announced Wednesday.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Midwest Poultry Services initiated the voluntary recall, affecting 1,589,577 dozen cartons of white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs.
Officials said the recalled products were sold under several brands, including Kroger, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, Simple Truth, and Sunups, as well as various bulk Grade A and Grade AA eggs.
The eggs were ultimately distributed to retail and food service customers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi, as well as other smaller retail outlets, according to the FDA.
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The affected products were produced at two farms in Texas, according to the FDA.
Officials said the issue was discovered during routine environmental testing. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the eggs.
“When we learned of a possible issue with egg safety, we began diverting eggs to a breaking plant where they would be pasteurized to kill any foodborne pathogens,” Midwest Poultry Services told FOX Business in a statement on Thursday.
“We also began a robust internal investigation and initiated testing protocols to identify potential sources of SE,” the company added, referring to Salmonella Enteritidis.
“Producing safe, quality food for those who eat our eggs is our highest priority, and this voluntary investigation and recall demonstrates that commitment.”
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The recall includes various carton sizes and egg counts.
Consumers can identify affected products by the codes printed on the side of the carton. The eggs were packed and distributed between June 6 and July 3, with sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 through Aug. 17.
The affected cartons also bear plant code P-1950 or 840962 with a Julian Date between 157 and 184.
Consumers who purchased the recalled eggs should not eat them and should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
According to the FDA, salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, older adults, frail individuals and people with weakened immune systems.
Healthy people infected with salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea that may be bloody, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
In rare and severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause more serious illnesses, including arterial infections, infected aneurysms, endocarditis and arthritis.
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Consumers with questions can contact Midwest Poultry Services’ consumer helpline at 574-405-9531, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, or email recallassistance@mpseggs.com.
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