Company Issues Egg Recall

By the Associated Press

February 3

MINNETONKA, Minn. (AP) - A Minnesota food company is widening its recall of hard-cooked eggs because of a potential for listeria contamination. Michael Foods, of Minnetonka, is recalling eggs in brine sold in 10- and 25-pound pails for institutional use in 34 states. The eggs carry six brand names: Columbia Valley Farms, GFS, Glenview Farms, Papetti's, Silverbrook and Wholesome Farms.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the eggs were produced at Michael Foods' plant in Wakefield, Neb., and were bought by food distributors and manufacturers. There have been no reports of illness connected to the eggs. But, the company says the eggs have the potential to be contaminated with a strain of listeria that can cause serious infections in those with weaker immune systems.


MINNETONKA, Minn. (AP) - Michael Foods, of Minnetonka, Minn., is recalling hard-cooked eggs in brine sold in 10- and 25-pound pails to food distributors and manufacturers for institutional use in 34 states, including: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
KDHE Info on Finney County Measles Cases

From the KS Dept. of Health and Environment

January 26

TOPEKA, Kan. – In a measles outbreak that began this month in Garden City, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Finney County Health Department have identified six cases to date. KDHE urges people who are ill or exhibiting measles-like symptoms to stay at home unless they are seeking medical attention.

On Jan. 10, KDHE was notified of two cases of measles. Both cases were within the same family household and had recent international travel. The onset date of rash was Jan. 3 and Jan. 5. The two initial cases were seen by the emergency department before being admitted to the hospital. Four additional cases – two within the same family household and two outside the family household – have subsequently occurred. To date, all cases have been epidemiologically linked by documented contact.

Finney County Health Department and KDHE are working to identify contacts among the general public and health care personnel. With an average incubation period of 10 to 14 days, secondary cases are now appearing outside the initial family.
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It causes fever, runny nose, tiredness, cough and a blotchy rash all over the body. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. It is so contagious that any person who is exposed to it and is not immune will probably get the disease. Measles can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears.

“If you are ill with fever, stay home except to see a healthcare provider. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead so appropriate measures can be taken to protect other patients and staff. In some cases, measles can result in secondary illnesses, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and encephalitis,” said Robert Moser, M.D., KDHE Secretary and State Health Officer.

Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine – the first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years – are routinely recommended for all children. Though the second dose of MMR may be given earlier in some circumstances, KDHE is not recommending any changes to the routine schedule at this time. All persons born during or after 1957 should have documentation of at least one MMR or other evidence of immunity. Certain groups of adults may be at increased risk for exposure to measles. Adults attending colleges or other post high school educational institutions, working in medical facilities, or traveling internationally should be assessed to ensure they are properly immunized.

The KDHE EPI Hotline is available for those with questions about potential disease outbreaks at 877-427-7317.
Two More Cases Confirmed: Officials Stress Measles Prevention in Finney County

Eric Allen

January 25

Following the confirmation of 6 cases of measles in Finney County in the past two weeks, health officials continue to stress prevention: prevention from getting the measles, and prevention of spreading measles. The Finney County Health Department has released further information to the public for help in identifying symptoms, and what to do if someone has a possible symptom of measles:


"There have been four cases of measles identified in the community in Finney County, Kansas.

DO NOT GO TO WORK, SCHOOL, ATTEND CHURCH OR OTHER GATHERINGS IF YOU HAVE A FEVER. THIS INCLUDES GOING TO THE STORE, RESTAURANTS, OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACES.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms initially are fever, runny nose, tiredness, and cough.  Three to five days after the initial illness, a blotchy rash occurs beginning at the hairline, moving to the face and upper neck, and then down the body. 

Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing.  It is so contagious that any person who is exposed to it and is not immune will probably get the disease.  Measles can be spread to others before the rash appears.

The best way to keep from getting the disease is by being vaccinated.  Protect children by making sure they have the MMR vaccine when they are 12 to 15 months old and again before they enter kindergarten.  People born before 1957 are generally considered to have had measles and are typically immune.

Unimmunized people are at greater risk of coming down with measles if exposed to someone who is sick.  Unimmunized people who have had contact with a person with measles are required to stay at home and away from all public places, school or work for 21 days after their contact. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD HAS SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES?

Make sure to stay at home and avoid having visitors until you have talked with your doctor or clinic.  Your doctor or clinic will tell you if you should come in for a visit.  Anyone who is sick with a fever should stay home.  DO NOT GO TO WORK, SCHOOL, ATTEND CHURCH OR OTHER GATHERINGS IF YOU HAVE A FEVER. THIS INCLUDES GOING TO THE STORE, RESTAURANTS, OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACES."

 

Anyone with questions about measles can call the Finney County Health Department at 272-3600.

Finney County Measles Update 1/24 (With Ashley Goss, Finney County Health Department)
Recalls and Safety Alerts

More information on recalls and consumer safety alerts can always be found on the following government websites

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.foodsafety.gov