The Salmonella shell egg recall numbering 380 million eggs from Wright County Egg is just the beginning.

In addition to the August 13^th recall of 380 million eggs from Wright County Egg of Galt, IA, FDA and the State of Minnesota identified Hillendale Farms of Iowa as a second potential source of Salmonella Enteritidis-contaminated shell eggs. The recalls affect eggs shipped since May 16, 2010 to food wholesalers, distribution centers and food service companies in more than 17 states.

Working closely with CDC and state public health partners, FDA reviewed epidemiologic and environmental investigation documents and identified three best-case clusters of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses. FDA has activated its emergency operations command center and has deployed an initial team of 10 investigators to Wright County Egg to inspect the farms and determine the source of the contamination.

In the past, FDA has inspected egg farms under its broad authorities applicable to all food, focusing on farms linked to recalls. The egg rule, which just went into effect for large farms on July 9, 2010, provides specific requirements applicable to egg producers that will greatly facilitate compliance.

For an ongoing update of the recalls, visit FDA’s website.