The concern with eggs is that if Salmonella is not controlled in the flocks, it can be passed to the eggs. Control in cage-free environments may be an issue, but the circumstances in this particular case were not detailed.
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/UCM619945.htm
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Linked to Shell Eggs from Gravel Ridge Farms
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses that is linked to shell eggs.
Update - September 10, 2018
As of September 10, 2018, there are 14 illnesses. Gravel Ridge Farms of Cullman, Alabama, has recalled cage-free, large eggs dating back to June 25, 2018.
Recommendations
The FDA is advising consumers not to eat recalled shell eggs produced by Gravel Ridge Farms. Consumers who have purchased these products can return them to the store for a refund. If any consumers have Gravel Ridge Farms eggs in their refrigerator, they should be discarded, regardless of the date stamped on the package. Recalled eggs were also sold to several grocery stores in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. For a complete list of stores, visit the recall notice.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 14
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: August 7, 2018
States with Cases: TN (12), AL (2)
What's the Problem and What's Being Done?
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working with federal, state and local officials regarding a Salmonella Enteritidisoutbreak linked to shell eggs from Gravel Ridge Farms.
- The FDA collaborated with state partners in conducting a traceback investigation. This traceback investigation identified a firm, Gravel Ridge Farms, as the potential source of the outbreak.
- As a result of the outbreak, Gravel Ridge Farms has voluntarily recalled cage-free, large eggs and has removed eggs from the shelves at grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail locations.
- The company has been cooperative and swiftly ceased distribution of the eggs as FDA, local officials, and the company continue their investigation into what caused the problem.
What Products are Recalled?
The following products have been recalled:
Product Size UPC Use By Dates
Gravel Ridge Farms
Large Cage Free Eggs Single Dozen and 2.5 Dozen Flats 7-06970-38444-6 7/25/18 through 10/3/18
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria that makes people sick. The illness people get from a Salmonella infection is called salmonellosis. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days and most people recover without treatment.
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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 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 Do Restaurants and Retailers Need To Do?
Restaurants and retailers should not sell or utilize any recalled shell eggs. 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 who have served any potentially contaminated or recalled products need to be concerned about 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 recalled eggs. 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 a 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 raw eggs and raw egg-containing foods. ◦Cook eggs until both the yolk and the white are firm. Scrambled eggs should not be runny.
◦Casseroles and other dishes containing eggs should be cooked to 160° F. Use a food thermometer to be sure.
◦For recipes that call for eggs that are raw or undercooked when the dish is served – like Caesar salad dressing and homemade ice cream – use either eggs that have been treated to destroy Salmonella, by pasteurization or another approved method, or pasteurized egg products.
•Thoroughly clean all food preparation surfaces and food cutting utensils that may have come in contact with the potentially contaminated eggs.
Gravel Ridge Farms Recalls Cage Free Egg Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
For Immediate Release
September 8, 2018
Contact
Consumers Dustin Smith 205-363-1105
Announcement
View Product Photos
Gravel Ridge Farms is recalling Cage Free Large Eggs due to a potential contamination of Salmonella. The recall was initiated because reported illnesses were confirmed at locations using Gravel Ridge Farm Eggs, and we are voluntarily recalling out of an abundance of caution.
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
On 9/6/2018 the firm was notified by FDA that the product they supplied may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Products affected are:
Product Size UPC Use By Dates
Gravel Ridge Farms
Large Cage Free Eggs Single Dozen and 2.5 Dozen Flats 7-06970-38444-6 7/25/18 through 10/3/18
The products were distributed between 6/25/2018 and 9/6/2018. These products were packaged in a cardboard container and sold primarily in restaurants and retail stores in AL, GA, and TN. Consumers who have purchased these products can return to store for refund or discard the product immediately. If any consumers have Gravel Ridge Farms eggs in their refrigerator, they should be discarded, regardless of the date stamped on the package. Consumers with questions may call Dustin Smith at 205-363-1105 M-F Between 8AM and 4PM Central Time.
The following retail stores carried the product:
Atlanta
Candler Park Market
Grant Park Market
Westview Corner Market
Sevananda Natural Foods
The Merchantile
Birmingham
Piggly Wiggly Clairemont
Piggly Wiggly River Run
Piggly Wiggly Crestline
Piggly Wiggly Bluff Park
Piggly Wiggly Dunnavent Valley
Piggly Wiggly Warrior
Piggly Wiggly Homewood
Western Market Mt. Brook
Western Market Rocky Ridge
Foodland Eva
Warehouse Discount Grocery Hanceville
Warehouse Discount Grocery Cullman 2 locations
Foodland Priceville
Star Market Huntsville
Manna Grocery Tuscaloosa
The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.
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