Aug. 18--Some eggs sold under Safeway's Lucerne brand and at Albertsons stores have been recalled by Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa, over fears of possible contamination with salmonella.
The food-borne bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.
The eggs included in the voluntary recall were distributed to wholesalers, distribution centers and food-service companies in Colorado, California, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The recall is limited to eggs that are packaged in cartons containing six, 12 and 18 eggs with production date codes ranging from 136 to 225, and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946. Production date codes and plant numbers can be found stamped on the end of each egg carton. The stamp begins with the letter P, followed by the plant number and then the production date code (for example, P-1946 223).
The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is collaborating with state public health officials, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service in an ongoing investigation of a nationwide increase of salmonella enteritidis infection, including several related to the eggs.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, over the past two months there has been an increase in reported cases of that particular strain of salmonella.
Epidemiologists say that historically, an average of seven cases of the strain are reported in Colorado during June and July. However, this year, 28 cases were reported in June and July. Nationally, the CDC is reporting more than a fourfold increase in reported cases.
Consumers who believe they may have purchased the recalled eggs should not eat them and return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Healthy people infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare instances, salmonella can get into the bloodstream and cause more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis or arthritis.
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