H-E-B eggs not included in nationwide recall

H-E-B insists its eggs are safe to eat and not included within the ongoing nationwide recall.  In a statement released Friday, the local grocery chain assured the public most of its eggs are produced in Texas and not included within those brands recalled due to salmonella-related illnesses.

“Our vendors have trace ability, and they have sent letters of verification that they are not impacted by the recall,” H-E-B’s statement continues.  “Our buyers continue to work close with our vendors and follow the situation.”

Approximately 380 million eggs produced by the Iowa-based Wright County Egg company have been recalled following an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis.  Hundreds of people across the country have already been sickened by the tainted eggs.  The Wright company packaged the affected eggs under different brand names which were then distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centers and foodservice companies in Texas, California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Iowa.

The recall is for shell eggs shipped since May 16, 2010 under the following brand names Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. Shell eggs are packed in 6-egg cartons, 12-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, and loose eggs with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946. 

On Wednesday, the recall was expanded to also include eggs packaged by Albertsons, Farm Fresh, James Farms, Glenview, Mountain Dairy, Ralphs, Boomsma, Lund, Kemps and Pacific Coast. Eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons (6-egg, 12-egg, and18-egg cartons, and loose eggs for institutional use and repackaging) with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 229 and plant numbers 1720 and 1942.

Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton or printed on the case label. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1720 223.

Do not eat the recalled eggs.  Consumers may either throw the recalled eggs away or return them to their retailer for a refund.  Individuals who believe they may have become ill from eating recalled eggs should consult their health care provider. 

Those infected with Salmonella typically suffer from fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain for a couple days.  Salmonella, however, can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in the young, frail, elderly or those with weakened immune systems.