200 million eggs recalled over salmonella fears
Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this article misstated the plant number and Julian date range of the eggs possibly contaminated with salmonella. It has since been corrected.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — More than 200 million eggs distributed to restaurants and stores in nine states are being recalled over fears of salmonella.
Rose Acre Farms of Seymour, Ind., is voluntarily recalling the eggs due to possible contamination with the bacteria.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, 22 illnesses have been reported so far.
"Consumers with these eggs shouldn't eat them," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said on Twitter. "Throw them away or return them to place of purchase for credit or refund."
The eggs were distributed from the farm in Hyde County, N.C., and reached consumers in Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia through retail stores and restaurants.
They were sold under the brand names Country Daybreak; Crystal Farms; Coburn Farms; Sunshine Farms; Glenview; Great Value; as well as at Walmart and Food Lion stores.
Food Lion has pulled the recalled eggs from shelves of the approximately 400 stores where they were available, said spokeswoman Emma Inman. "The eggs that are in the stores today are safe," she said by phone. She said she didn't have information on whether Food Lion customers were among those who got sick.
Company officials at Walmart and Waffle House didn't immediately respond to messages Sunday seeking comment.
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The egg recall is the largest in the United States since 2010, according to Food Safety News.
The recall involves eggs with the plant number P-1065, with the Julian date range of 011 through 102 printed on either side of the carton or package.
Salmonella can cause serious and even deadly infections in children or elderly adults. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.