Michael Foods recalls eggs in 34 US states

Minnesota-based Michael Foods has recalled more than one million hard-cooked eggs across 34 states in the US over fears they may be contaminated with listeria monocytongenes.

The recall includes nearly 15,000 pails of eggs in brine that were sold for institutional use and was initiated after lab tests by a third party revealed the eggs may be contaminated, caused due to a repair project in the packaging room.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the eggs were bought by food manufacturers and distributors and were not sold directly to retailers. There have been no reports of illness linked to the consumption of these eggs.

Michael Foods spokeswoman Diane Sparish said the company has implemented a number of corrective steps to address the issue and prevent recurrence.

The eggs affected by the recall were produced at the company’s facility in Wakefield, Nebraska, and were sold under the six brand names Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti’s, Silverbrook and Wholesome Farms.

Several retailers are also recalling the affected eggs, including Wegmans Food Markets, Greencore USA, Allison’s Gourmet Kitchens, GH Foods SW, GH Foods CA, F&S Produce Co., Delhaize America and Kroger’s.

Michael Foods produces and distributes food products to the foodservice, retail and food-ingredient markets, producing 10lbs and 25lbs pails of eggs in brine.

Consumption of food contaminated with listeria monocytogenes may cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness, which can lead to high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Previously in August 2010, 550 million eggs were recalled in the US by Hillandale Farms and Wright County Eggs due to laboratory-confirmed salmonella enteritidis illnesses linked to the shell eggs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the salmonella outbreak due to the contaminated eggs led to more than 1,300 people falling sick.

Caption: The recall was initiated after lab tests by a third-party revealed the eggs may be contaminated by listeria. Image courtesy of Mnolf.