Duo Sentenced with Suspended Prison Terms for Selling Salmonella-Contaminated Eggs.

May 29, 2023

Incident:

Recently, In the Netherlands, two men were sentenced to six months in prison for their roles in the sale of Salmonella-contaminated eggs. The implicated company’s director and manager were also required to perform 200 hours of community service. Both men, who are now 43 and 51, continue to work in the poultry industry.

The Public Prosecution Service asked for a fine of €140,000 ($150,400), however, this corporation only received €80,000 ($86,000). The Zwolle court stated that this was due to the length of time that had passed since the occurrence. The company was found guilty of withholding this information from customers while selling eggs tainted with Salmonella while knowing this to be unsafe.

A 22-year-old guy passed away in Germany in June 2017 following multiple organ failures brought on by blood poisoning. He had consumed food containing tainted eggs, which led to his Salmonella infection.  In 2017, eight out of the eleven guests who attended the BBQ got sick from Salmonella. Eggs from a Dutch chicken farm in Wouterswoude, which had three units for laying hens, were bought from a store in Germany.

Recognizing the risks:

Eggs infected with salmonella can cause unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea, cramping in the abdomen, fever, and vomiting. While the majority of salmonellosis cases go away on their own, severe cases may necessitate treatment and hospitalization, especially in those who are more susceptible, such as young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.

What do consumers need to know?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is one of the leading causes of food poisoning around the world. Several foods, including eggs, poultry, pork, and raw dairy products, can be contaminated with salmonella. Salmonella can contaminate eggs if the hens who lay the eggs have the disease. Salmonella can be found on the eggshell, in the egg yolk or white, or inside the egg itself.

The significance of dirty and cracked eggs as sources of Salmonella infection is underscored by Salmonella food poisoning outbreaks in Queensland (Australia), where it was discovered that the use of unclean and cracked eggs in restaurants was the main source of germs in these outbreaks. CDC advises for carefully cleaning eggs with dirt and debris with fine sandpaper, a brush, or a cloth.

Eggs are frequently kept in refrigerator doors, either packaged or unpacked, and frequent door openings raised temperature. Temperature swings may cause condensation on the eggshells, which is known to encourage Salmonella penetration. Despite the compelling arguments and warnings against storing eggs in the door, many refrigerators still come with egg trays on the door shelves, frequently without a lid.

The risk of Salmonella infection can be reduced by handling and preparing eggs properly. Follow the guidelines below:

  • Purchase eggs from reputable sources.
  • Check for cracks or dirty eggs and avoid purchasing or using them.
  • Store eggs in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling eggs.
  • Avoid cross-contamination by keeping eggs away from other foods, utensils, and surfaces.
  • Cook eggs thoroughly until both the yolk and egg white are firm to kill any potential bacteria.
  • To avoid cross-contamination, clean surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils that come into touch with raw eggs.
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