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Where is Salmonella on eggs? The bacteria 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 lower my risk of developing Salmonella 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 consumed. The larger the number of Salmonella present in the egg, the more likely it is to cause illness. ●Keeping eggs adequately refrigerated 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 infections. Both should be consumed and not be kept warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours. What actions can I take to lower my risk of developing Salmonella? 1. Keep eggs refrigerated at ≤ 45° F 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 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 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? ●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 with antibiotics. How do I know if I have Salmonella? ● A person infected with the Salmonella 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. Hamilton County Health Department Division of Health Education Source: CDC ---PAGE BREAK--- Dates and codes can be found stamped on the packaging. ● The plant number begins with the letter followed by a number (P-1946 in the example below). ● The Julian date follows the plant number (223 in). Source: FDA What To Do If You Have The Eggs? ●Don’t eat recalled eggs. Consumers who have recalled eggs should discard them or return them to their retailer for a refund. ●Individuals who think they might have become ill from eating recalled eggs should consult their health care providers. If consumers are unsure about the source of their eggs, they are urged not to eat them and to discard them immediately. A List Of Recalled Eggs Go To: http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/WhatsNewinFood/ucm223536.htm Hamilton County Health Department Division of Health Education Source: FDA