The CDC has announced that the Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak associated with cage-free eggs from Gravel Ridge Farms, Cullman, Ala., appears to be over. As of Oct. 25, 2018, there were 44 illnesses due to the shell eggs.
On Sept. 5, 2018, the FDA and Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industry began an inspection at Gravel Ridge Farms and collected environmental and egg samples for laboratory testing. The results were used to confirm that Salmonella Enteritidis isolates collected from environmental and egg samples taken at the farm were genetically related to isolates obtained from ill persons.
Twenty-six of 32 (81 percent) people interviewed reported eating restaurant dishes made with eggs. These restaurants reported using shell eggs in the dishes eaten by ill people.
As a result of the outbreak, Gravel Ridge Farms voluntarily recalled cage-free, large eggs and removed the eggs from the shelves at grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail locations. The company has been cooperative and swiftly ceased distribution of the eggs as FDA, local officials, and the company continues their investigation into what caused the problem.
FDA instructs restaurants and retailers to not sell or utilize any recalled shell eggs. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any of the recalled products by throwing them in the garbage or return them to the place of purchase for credit or refund.
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