Symptoms of infection usually occur within a few days or weeks, but they can also surface as late as 2 months after being exposed.
Egg salad sandwiches rock. They might have to go on hold for a bit in this household, at least if made from pre-boiled eggs, however.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted a food safety alert earlier this winter. It indicated they were investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria linked to hard boiled eggs produced by Almark Foods. The eggs were sold for foodservice, and made available in grocery stores for sale to the public in smaller packages.
In case you were wondering, they were sold under more than 30 brand names including Almark Foods, Kirkland Signature and Kroger, some with “Best If Used By” dates as late as March 2, 2020.
Thankfully, the eggs have been recalled. The damage, however, has already been done. One person died from being infected, and 4 people ended up in hospital. In total, there have been 7 reported cases spanning 5 states linked to the outbreak.
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What’s next? Consumers are continually urged to throw out the recalled hard-boiled eggs and not eat them. It’s also advised that you wash out your fridge and sanitize it following these 5 steps outlined by the CDC.
FYI, food processors haven’t used these eggs to make egg salad, deviled eggs or any other salads involving eggs and sold in containers or at salad bars but when in doubt, throw it out.
Listeria can cause various symptoms depending on what part of your body it infects, which can include experiencing a loss of balance, a stiff neck, convulsions, a fever and aches and pains in your muscles. Most people who fall ill from consuming the bacteria do so within 1 to 4 weeks after eating the contaminated food but for some people, symptoms can surface as late as 70 days later. You may also find you fall sick on the same day, the CDC states.
All recalled hard boiled eggs were produced at Almark Foods’ Gainesville, Georgia facility.
