Spot the signs of salmonella

If you've shopped at a grocery store in Iowa recently, don't opt for scrambled eggs for breakfast -- or any meal. An Iowa egg producer has issued a recall for 228 million eggs after a suspected link to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning. The potentially life-threatening condition is more common than you may realize, making it even more important to know how to recognize the signs of salmonella.

Egg carton warning
Egg carton warning

Tainted eggs have sickened several hundred Californians and some people in Minnesota, health officials recently reported, and the Food and Drug Administration is investigating. No one should take any chances because salmonella can be life-threatening, especially to people with weakened immune systems. Here are some important facts to know about salmonella.

>> Find out: How long do eggs stay good in the refrigerator?


WHO IS AT HIGHEST RISK FOR SALMONELLA POISONING?

People with impaired immune systems should be more careful, as should the elderly and infants. People in these groups are less able to fight off the infection, so it can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, and then to other body sites.

Salmonella poisoning is serious and can be fatal unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. While you shouldn't stop eating out at restaurants or enjoying Eggs Benedict (in fact, you can get some tasty twists on Eggs Benedict recipes here!) at home, it's crucial to know the symptoms of salmonella and take precautions.

COMMON SIGNS OF SALMONELLA

Yes, you'll know you're ill with something. A person infected with the Salmonella enteritidis bacterium usually has:

  • fever

  • abdominal cramps

  • diarrhea

These symptoms start 12 to 72 hours after consuming a contaminated food or beverage, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HOW LONG WILL SALMONELLA POISONING LAST?

The illness usually lasts four to seven days. Most people recover without antibiotic treatment. When the diarrhea is severe, however, you can get dehydrated and become ill enough to require hospitalization.

>> Also see: 7 Summer maladies and ways to prevent them

FOOD SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID SALMONELLA POISONING

Don't swear off eggs, an economical source of nutrition and great for a fast meal fix. But there are precautions you should take to stay safe from salmonella poisoning.

The CDC recommends the following tips to avoid salmonella poisoning:

  • Keep eggs refrigerated at at all times.

  • Discard cracked or dirty eggs.

  • Wash hands, cooking utensils and food preparation surfaces with soap and water after contact with raw eggs.

  • Eggs should be cooked until both the white and the yolk are firm, then eaten promptly after cooking.

  • Do not keep eggs warm or at room temperature for more than two hours.

  • Promptly refrigerate unused or leftover egg-containing foods.

  • Avoid eating raw eggs.

  • Avoid restaurant dishes made with raw or undercooked, unpasteurized eggs. Restaurants should use pasteurized eggs in any recipe (such as Hollandaise sauce or Caesar salad dressing) that calls for raw eggs.

>> Find out: How to make perfect hard boiled eggs

DO YOUR EGGS HAVE SALMONELLA?

The eggs which may be infected with salmonella are produced by Wright County Egg and sold in retail stores under a variety of brand names.

According to the FDA's website, the list of brands that may have salmonella are:

  • Albertson

  • Boomsma's

  • Dutch Farms

  • Farm Fresh

  • Hillandale

  • Kemps

  • Lucerne

  • Lund

  • Mountain Dairy

  • Ralph's

  • Shoreland

  • Sunshine

  • Trafficanda

Eggs are packed in 6-egg, dozen egg, and 18-egg cartons with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946. Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1946 223.

If you have potentially contaminated eggs, do noteat them. Take the eggs back to the store from which you bought them and ask for a full refund.

>> Read more: Tips to avoid contaminated fruits, vegetables, and meats

Attention
Attention

Consumption of raw or undercooked eggs should be avoided, especially by young children, elderly persons and persons with weakened immune systems or debilitating illness. If you experience any signs of salmonella poisoning, see a medical professional immediately.

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