More than 200 million eggs distributed to restaurants and grocery stores across nine states have been recalled due to potential salmonella contamination, according to a notice posted on the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) website. Indiana-based Rose Acre Farms initiated the voluntary recall through an abundance of caution
following an FDA inspection of its farm in Hyde County, North Carolina, which produces roughly 2 million eggs daily.
Recall Details, Affected States, and Brands
The recall affects eggs shipped to consumers in nine states along the East Coast and elsewhere. According to the FDA notice, the impacted states include:
- Colorado
- Florida
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- West Virginia
The affected eggs originate from plant number P-1065, carrying a Julian date range of 011 through 102 (Lot Codes 011 – 102) printed on the side or principal portion of the carton or package. Multiple brand names and entities are involved in the distribution:
- Coburn Farms
- Country Daybreak
- Food Lion (the chain’s store brand)
- Glenview
- Great Value (sold at Walmart)
- Nelms
- Sunshine Farms
- Waffle House chain
- Various restaurants
Food Lion spokeswoman Emma Inman stated that the chain pulled the recalled eggs from approximately 400 stores where they were available, noting that current store stock is safe. Company representatives for Walmart and Waffle House did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment, and a company spokesman for Rose Acre Farms did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning
Twenty-two illnesses have been reported in connection with the contaminated eggs. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb stated on Twitter that testing connected the recalled eggs to the individuals who fell ill, advising consumers not to eat them and to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a credit or refund.
People typically contract salmonellosis from ingesting contaminated food or water, with children noted by the FDA as being most likely to catch it. Symptoms generally develop within 12 to 72 hours after infection and include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The illness typically lasts four to seven days and resolves independently with supportive care like rest and fluids. However, severe diarrhea can require hospitalization and antibiotics. In rare instances, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other body parts, potentially causing fatal outcomes if left untreated. The specific bacteria linked to these eggs can also rarely cause blood vessel infections, endocarditis (an infection of the heart’s inner lining), or arthritis.
High-Risk Groups and Prevention Guidelines
Certain populations face a higher risk of severe complications from salmonella infections. These vulnerable groups include children under the age of 5, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, such as chemotherapy or transplant patients.
Because salmonella bacteria can exist inside eggs, the FDA advises against consuming or feeding pets raw or undercooked eggs, as well as foods containing them, such as raw cookie dough.
