Federal officials have stated that it was the feed given to the hens that likely caused the contamination of the recalled eggs from Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms.
In a conference call, U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials stated that it is believed that ingredients used in the chicken feed were the source of the salmonella. The contamination likely occurred after the feed had been through heat treatment.
As of now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the reported cases of salmonella enteritidis has reach 2,430 from May to August 25. But officials expect that number to continue to increase.
More than a half a billion eggs have been recalled at the latest count. The salmonella bacteria can be found in the ovaries of infected chickens. The salmonella then gets into the egg as it grows.
Common symptoms of salmonella poisoning are diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. It can be fatal to those with compromised immune systems.
