The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its highest risk warning following a recall of millions of eggs due to potential salmonella contamination.
Black Sheep Egg Company, LLC, located in Arkansas, issued a voluntary recall of several egg varieties on September 19.because of possible contaminationA Class I risk classification was issued by the FDA for the recall on October 14.
Healthy urvivalreached out to Black Sheep Egg Company LLC via telephone for a response.
Why It Matters
A Category I risk classification—one of three—refers to "a scenario where there is a significant chance that using or being exposed to a non-compliant product could lead to serious negative health effects or death," as stated by the FDA.
Salmonella bacteria can lead to a gastrointestinal infection and fever known as salmonellosis. The FDA states that the illness typically develops within 12 to 72 hours, with symptoms generally lasting between four and seven days.
Common signs are diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Individuals with more serious infections might also experience intense fever, body pains, headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, and blood in their urine.
Infections can sometimes be deadly, with approximately 450 individuals passing away annually due to salmonellosis, as reported by the FDA.
What To Know
The eggs subject to the recall are as follows:
- Free-Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs, 12-count boxes—23,625 dozen—UPC: 860010568507
- Free-Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs, 18-count cartons—16,245 dozen—UPC code: 860010568538
- Free-Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, sold individually in boxes, 15 dozen per box—20,625 dozen
- Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, sold individually in boxes, 15 dozen per box—14,220 dozen
- Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, sold in bulk with open skids, 900 dozen per pallet—288,900 dozen
- Free-Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, sold loose in open skids, 900 dozen per pallet—58,500 dozen
- Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs, individually loose in a pallet, 900 dozen per skid—7,200 dozen
- Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs, sold in bulk on a pallet, 900 dozen per pallet—46,800 dozen
- Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs, 12-pack cartons, 15 dozen in a box—23,400 dozen
- Free-Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs, 18-count cartons—15 dozen in a box—23,400 dozen
The eggs are labeled with expiration dates ranging from August 22, 2025, to October 31, 2025, and these dates are printed on the side of the containers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that the eggs were sold at retail and wholesale outlets in Arkansas and Missouri from July 9 to September 17. They were also sent to broker facilities in Mississippi, Texas, California, and Indiana.
The recall began following an FDA inspection at the company's egg processing plant, where seven distinct types of salmonella were found in 40 environmental samples, according to the agency. Certain of these strains are capable of causing illness in humans.
The Black Sheep Egg Company reached out to their direct customers in an effort to take potentially tainted eggs out of circulation, according to the FDA.
What People Are Saying
The FDA noted in its recall announcement: “Individuals, dining establishments, and merchants who bought or obtained these items, should thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the recalled eggs.
Clean your hands, tools, and work areas using hot, soapy water both before and after dealing with raw eggs and dishes that include raw eggs.
The Black Sheep Egg Company posted on its Facebook page on October 2: "The FDA recently performed routine environmental testing at our facility at Black Sheep Egg Company. A limited number of swabs, collected from non-food contact areas like floor drains, floor cracks, and drip pans, came back positive for salmonella. Several days later, the FDA released a statement regarding the results that did not include detailed information, leading some to doubt the safety of our eggs. Most importantly, all of our eggs tested negative for salmonella and showed no evidence of contamination."
Due to an abundance of caution and prioritizing the safety of our customers, we have taken a proactive step by initiating a voluntary recall on specific batches of eggs. This demonstrates our dedication to delivering safe and high-quality products. Along with immediate corrective measures that have already been implemented, we want to inform our customers that our company has consistently maintained a rigorous and thorough SOP protocol with all our producers. This includes routine testing of products prior to their arrival at the processing facility, ensuring only safe and high-quality eggs are received.
It is crucial to mention that no eggs that have ever come into or left our facility for consumers have shown positive results for any illnesses. We aim to comfort our customers by ensuring our eggs are safe to eat. We place great importance on food safety and are dedicated to providing the best quality products. We are honored to serve our loyal community and appreciate your trust in us as your local, farmer-owned egg supplier.
TheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention'sadvice regarding salmonella indicates: “In certain individuals, the condition can become serious enough to require hospitalization. Infection caused by salmonella can move from the intestines into the bloodstream and subsequently affect other areas of the body.”
The FDA, on its website: “Children under 5, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe cases of salmonellosis.”
Clean the interior walls and shelves of the fridge, as well as cutting boards, countertops, and tools that might have come into contact with tainted food; afterward, disinfect them using a mixture of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach in one gallon of hot water; allow them to air dry using a fresh cloth or paper towel that hasn't been used before.
Individuals who have pets need to be especially cautious to prevent cross-contamination while preparing their animal's meals. Make sure to clean and wash the food bowls thoroughly right after the pets finish eating, and keep children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system away from the food or the pets that have consumed possibly contaminated items.
What Happens Next
The recall is still in progress, as reported by the FDA. Individuals who bought the impacted eggs are advised to discard them or take them back to where they were purchased.
Related Articles
- Nestlé to Cut 16,000 Positions: Key Information
- Boeing Faces Significant Legal Action Due to a 'Series of System Failures'
- Numerous Accounts of American Nationals Held in Chicago
Begin your unlimited Healthy Survival trial