> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Salmonella from Eggs - URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/tips_to_reduce_your_risk_of_salmonella_from_eggs_1808101244/ - Published: 2010-08-19T01:43:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-22T15:48:26.000Z - Description: Wright County Egg recalled up to 380 million shell eggs over possible salmonella contamination, spanning 13 brands in eight states. CDC advises keeping eggs refrigerated until use and cooking them thoroughly, since a runny yolk carries more risk than a fully cooked one. - Author: Food Consumer - Tags: Biological, Food Safety, Eggs, Salmonella, #vivvo-import Salmonella outbreaks trigger egg recall On the Food and Drug Administration website, Egg safety media hotline posted a message from Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa saying chicken farms are voluntarily recalling shell eggs produced on specific days because they may be contaminated with salmonella. The nationwide recall affects up to 380 million eggs, CNN News reported. Eggs subject to the recall were distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centers and food-service establishments in Califronia, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Wisoncin, Minneosota and Iowa. The recalled eggs are sold in a variety of packages under the brand names including Lucerne, Alvertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph's, Boomsma's, Sunshine, Hillsdale, Farm Fresh, Trafficanda, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. The following is the advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Eggs are one of nature's most nutritious and economical foods. A bacterium, *Salmonella* Enteritidis, can be on both the outside and inside of eggs that appear to be normal, and if the eggs are eaten raw or undercooked, the bacterium can cause illness. ## What can I do to reduce my risk of getting *Salmonella* Enteritidis from eggs? Eggs, like meat, poultry, milk, and other foods, are safe when handled properly. Shell eggs are safest when stored in the refrigerator, individually and thoroughly cooked, and promptly consumed. The larger the number of *Salmonella* present in the egg, the more likely it is to cause illness. Keeping eggs adequately [refrigerated](http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/eggstorage.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) prevents any *Salmonella* present in the eggs from growing to higher numbers, so eggs should be kept refrigerated until they are used. Cooking reduces the number of bacteria present in an egg; however, an egg with a runny yolk still poses a greater risk than a completely cooked egg. Undercooked egg whites and yolks have been associated with outbreaks of *Salmonella*Enteritidis infections. Both should be consumed promptly and not be kept warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours. ## What are the specific actions I can take to reduce my risk of a *Salmonella* Enteritidis infection? 1. Keep eggs refrigerated at ≤ 45° F (≤7° C) at all times. 2. Discard cracked or dirty eggs. 3. Wash hands, cooking utensils, and food preparation surfaces with soap and water after contact with raw eggs. 4. Eggs should be cooked until both the white and the yolk are firm and eaten promptly after cooking. 5. Do not keep eggs warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours. 6. Refrigerate unused or leftover egg-containing foods promptly. 7. Avoid eating raw eggs. 8. Avoid restaurant dishes made with raw or undercooked, unpasteurized eggs. Restaurants should use pasteurized eggs in any recipe (such as Hollandaise sauce or Caesar salad dressing) that calls for raw eggs. 9. Consumption of raw or undercooked eggs should be avoided, especially by young children, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems or debilitating illness. ## Who is most at risk for getting *Salmonella* Enteritidis? The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems may have a more severe illness. In these patients, the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. ## How do I know if I have *Salmonella* Enteritidis? A person infected with the *Salmonella* Enteritidis bacterium usually has fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea beginning 12 to 72 hours after consuming a contaminated food or beverage. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without antibiotic treatment. However, the diarrhea can be severe, and the person may be ill enough to require hospitalization. ## ### More Information - [CDC Outbreak Investigation of *Salmonella* Enteritidis](http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis?ref=foodconsumer.org) - [CDC FAQs: *Salmonella* Enteritidis](http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/salmonella%5Fenteritidis/?ref=foodconsumer.org) - [FoodSafety.gov: Eggs and Egg Products](http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/types/eggs/index.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) - [Playing it Safe With Eggs: What Consumers Need to Know](http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm077342.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org)