A recent nationwide recall of shell eggs has many people wondering if their eggs are safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been investigating over 200 reports of salmonella cases each week since late June. Many of these cases have been traced to Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa. The company conducted a voluntary recall for all eggs that it had shipped since May 19, 2010.

Egg cartons were stamped with one of three codes: P-1026, P-1413 and P-1946. These are the plant numbers stamped at the end of the carton and are followed by the Julian Date. The recalled shell eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.

What does this mean to you? Jenna Hogan, University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator, recommends the following:

·  Do not eat recalled eggs. Although cooking them to the proper temperature will reduce the risk of illness, you should still discard them or return them to their retailer for a refund.

·  Consult your health care provider if you think you may have become ill from consuming recalled eggs.

·  Do not eat raw eggs.

·  Avoid ordering restaurant dishes made with raw or undercooked, unpasteurized eggs. Young children, elderly persons and persons with weakened immune systems should especially avoid raw, undercooked and unpasteurized eggs.

·  Always wash hands, cooking utensils and food contact surfaces with warm, soapy water after contact with raw eggs.

·  Refrigerate leftovers made with eggs promptly.

·  Keep shell eggs refrigerated at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hogan recommends visiting www.fda.gov for a complete list of recalled eggs with brand, plant number and Julian dates.

For more information on nutrition issues, call the Peoria County Office at 309-685-3140.