### CDC and FDA Investigate Salmonella Outbreak Linked to 1.7 Million Eggs

Health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are actively investigating a significant Salmonella outbreak that has affected several states, connected to the distribution of 1.7 million eggs.

According to a recent news release, the affected brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs were distributed by August Egg Company between February 3 and May 15. The eggs reached retailers in California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana, and Wyoming. On Friday, the Hilmar, California-based distributor issued a recall for the eggs, which have sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19. The eggs were sold at major retailers, including Walmart and Safeway, under various brand names.

The CDC has reported that the outbreak has so far resulted in 79 illnesses across New Jersey, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington state, and California. Of those affected, 21 have required hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported. However, the CDC cautions that the actual number of sick individuals might be much higher since many people recover without seeking medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.

Salmonella infections can occur when people consume contaminated food or water or come in contact with animals or their environments. The illness produces symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically starting between six hours and six days after exposure. While it can affect anyone, children under five, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.

In light of the outbreak, the CDC advises consumers to discard or return any recalled eggs. Additionally, businesses should refrain from selling or serving the recalled eggs and should thoroughly sanitize any surfaces that came into contact with them.

In response to the outbreak, August Egg Company has started diverting its eggs to an "egg-breaking facility" for pasteurization to eliminate pathogens. The company has also initiated an internal review to implement measures aimed at preventing future occurrences. "We are committed to addressing this matter fully and to implementing all necessary corrective actions to ensure this does not happen again," the company said in a statement.

This Salmonella outbreak is not an isolated incident. Recently, a similar outbreak linked to cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales resulted in 45 illnesses and 16 hospitalizations across 18 states. The FDA's investigation into this outbreak continues.