Massive egg recall over deadly contamination fears
In this DML Report…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded a nationwide egg recall to include approximately 6 million cartons due to potential salmonella contamination, with the latest addition involving 12-count cartons of Grade AA Large Pasture Raised eggs from Kenz Henz of Santa Fe, Texas, repackaged from Black Sheep Egg Company supplies. These Kenz Henz products, bearing UPC code 86949400030 and sell-by dates between October 11 and 17, were distributed to Kroger and H-E-B stores in the Houston area, though they may have reached other states. The expansion follows positive tests for seven strains of salmonella in 40 samples from the Black Sheep Egg Company facility in Arkansas, which supplies eggs to stores in Arkansas and Missouri. The update was posted on the FDA website on October 20, and officials indicate additional products may be added as more information emerges.
Salmonella contamination, often linked to fecal matter from chickens entering processing facilities, poses risks including diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting, typically appearing within eight to 72 hours of consumption. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates salmonella causes 1.35 million infections annually in the U.S., resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths, with vulnerable groups like infants, pregnant women, young children, and older adults at higher risk for severe outcomes such as sepsis if the bacteria spreads to organs. Most cases resolve within a week without medical intervention, but serious infections may require antibiotics. No illnesses or deaths have been reported in connection with this recall to date.
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The initial recall by Black Sheep Egg Company earlier this month targeted millions of 12- and 18-count cartons of Free Range Grade A and AA eggs in brown and white varieties, with sell-by dates from August 22 to October 31, as well as industrial-sized lots exceeding 500 eggs per box sold to restaurants and facilities. Consumers are advised to discard the affected eggs immediately or return them for a full refund, as officials warn many may still be in refrigerators. The FDA stated that products may have been further distributed beyond initial areas, emphasizing the need for vigilance.