FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak Of Salmonella Braenderup Linked To Shell Eggs From Rose Acre Farms

The CDC reports that 23 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Braenderup have been reported from 9 states.

On March 5, 2018, the FDA learned about a cluster of Salmonella Braenderup infections in multiple states.

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat recalled eggs produced by Rose Acre Farms’ Hyde County farm. These eggs are sold under multiple brand names, including Coburn Farms, Country Daybreak, Food Lion, Glenview, Great Value, Nelms, and Sunshine Farms. Recalled eggs were also sold to restaurants.

The CDC reports that 23 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Braenderup have been reported from 9 states: Colorado (1), Florida (2), New Jersey (1), New York (6), North Carolina (4), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (1), Virginia (5), and West Virginia (1). Six people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

After learning that all of the people who became ill ate eggs or egg dishes before the onset of illness, the FDA was able to trace back the source of some of the eggs to the Rose Acre Farms’ Hyde County farm. FDA investigators then inspected the farm and collected samples for testing. FDA analysis of the samples revealed that the same rare strain of Salmonella Braenderup that caused the illnesses was present at the Hyde County Egg facility, tying the facility to the outbreak.

As a result of these findings and discussions between the FDA and the firm, Rose Acre Farms voluntarily recalled shell eggs from the Hyde County egg farm.

The affected Rose Acre Farms recalled eggs are identified with plant number P-1065 and Julian date ranges of 011 through date of 102 printed on either the side portion or the principal side of the carton or package.

These eggs are sold under multiple brand names including Coburn Farms, Country Daybreak, Food Lion, Glenview, Great Value, Nelms, and Sunshine Farms. Recalled eggs were also sold to restaurants.

Consumers who have any of these shell eggs in their homes should not eat them and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for credit or refund.

This investigation is ongoing and the FDA will provide updates when more information is available.

What are the Symptoms of Salmonella?

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.

How Soon After Exposure do Symptoms Appear?

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.

What are the Complications of Salmonella Infections?

In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Who is at Risk?

Children are the most likely to get salmonellosis. The rate of diagnosed infections in children less than five years old is higher than the rate in all other persons. Children younger than 5 years of age, the elderly, and those people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections. It is estimated that approximately 400 persons die each year with acute salmonellosis. 

What Specific Products were Recalled?

LOT CODES 011 through 102 from Plant Number P-1065

What Do Restaurants and Retailers Need To Do?

Restaurants and retailers should not sell or utilize any recalled shell eggs listed above. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any of the listed shell eggs by throwing them in the garbage or return them to the place of purchase for credit or refund.

Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that the recalled shell eggs may be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross–contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment. They should follow the steps below:

• Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators regularly.
• Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils used to prepare, serve, or store food. 
• Wash hands with hot water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.

What Do Consumers Need To Do?

People should not eat any shell eggs from the lots listed above. If they have any of the listed products, they should throw them in the garbage or return them to the place of purchase for credit or refund.

• People who think they might have become ill from eating possibly contaminated eggs should talk to their health care providers.
• Consumers should always practice safe food handling and preparation measures. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling food.
• For food preparation surfaces and food cutting utensils that may have come in contact with the potentially contaminated eggs, it is very important that the consumers thoroughly clean these areas and items.

Who Should be Contacted?

People who think they might have become ill from eating possibly contaminated or recalled shell eggs should talk to their health care providers. Contact your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days, or is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down and you pass very little urine.

The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time, or to consult the fda.gov website: http://www.fda.gov.