North Carolinians should check their refrigerators right away: Michael Foods, a Minnesota-based food company, has recalled more than one million hard-cooked eggs. The recall affects 33 other states, including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
The Food and Drug Administration announced that eggs were produced in Nebraska and bought by food distributors and manufacturers, not sold directly to retailers. There have been no reports of illnesses connected to the eggs, but tests revealed a scary contamination: listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The tests, conducted by a third party, indicated that some eggs may have been contaminated due to a repair needed in a packaging room at the factory. Michael Foods says they have taken a number of steps to address the contamination.
This is the second listeria contamination in just a few months time. In December 2011, the Center for Disease Control declared a listeria outbreak after contaminated cantaloupes sickened 146 people over 28 states.
If you've purchased eggs recently, check for the brand names Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti's, Silverbrook and Wholesome Farms. Lot codes preceded by a “1” and ending in a “W' are affected.
Listeria infection can be very serious and symptoms can take up to two months to appear. Listeriosis can cause fever, diarrhea, muscle aches, confusion, headache, stiff neck, loss of balance and convulsions. Older people, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should be especially cautioned, as the disease targets those groups. Toss any eggs covered by the recall, and be on the watch for these dangerous symptoms.
If you or a loved one fear you have consumed one of the recalled eggs, pay close attention to the potential warning signs. If you start experiencing any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor right away. As a personal injury attorney, I've seen how quickly listeriosis can become dangerous. Consider giving us a call if you have concerns about this recall. We have experience fighting for consumers and their right to safe, healthy products.
About the Editors: The Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm, which has offices in Virginia (VA) and North Carolina (NC), edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as pro bono services.
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