What Is Salmonella?

More than 200 million eggs have been recalled from the markets by the second-largest egg producer in the United States due to possible salmonella contamination.

Consumers with these eggs shouldn’t eat them. Throw them away or return them to place of purchase for credit or refund.

Salmonella bacteria is one of the most common causes of food poisoning.  Symptoms usually include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, which lasts anywhere from 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment, but it’s possible for the infection to spread from the intestines to the blood stream, then it’s important to treat with antibiotics.

Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop this type of severe infection.

Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine to prevent salmonella infection, but taking steps to avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, meat, and unpasteurized milk will go a long way for prevention.

The CDC recommends cooking poultry and meat until no pink is left in the middle and keeping raw meat (along with any utensils or plates used) away from produce and cooked foods.

Be sure to wash your hands after any contact with animals, their food, or feces. Salmonella is killed by cooking, so using a meat thermometer to ensure your food has reached the proper temperature is the safest way to keep you and your family salmonella-free.