228 Million Eggs Recalled Friday
On Friday, August 20th, Iowa’s Wright County Egg voluntarily recalled over 228 million eggs, according to CBS News. With millions of consumers possessing potentially life-threatening products, many are wondering when and how the recall process will go into effect.
What is a Recall?
According to Ohio State University’s Fact Sheet, a food recall is defined as, “any corrective action by a company needed to protect consumers from potentially adverse effects of a contaminated, adulterated, or misbranded product.” The majority of recalls are undertaken by manufacturers voluntarily, as was the case of Wright County Egg, although the Federal government does have the ability to mandate a recall in the name of public safety.
Who Implements Product Recalls?
Food recalls are implemented through a collaboration of product manufacturers, government agencies, and mass media. According to HowStuffWorks.com, it is the responsibility of both FDA overseers and product manufactures to identify potentially harmful or mislabeled products. Upon the discovery of such a product, the FDA issues a press release to news media companies in order to warn the general public. In order to determine the urgency of such a press release, the FDA has established three classifications for food recalls.
How are Recalls Classified?
According to the University of Ohio, classifications are defined as such:
• “Class I-This type of recall involves a health hazard where a reasonable probability exists that eating the food would cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
• Class II-This type of recall indicates a potential health hazard where a remote probability of adverse health consequences from eating the food exists, or if the resulting condition is temporary or medically reversible.
• Class III-This type of recall involves situations in which eating the food will not or is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”
Due to the life-threatening severity of the Salmonella virus, the potential contamination of Wright County Egg’s products has garnered Class 1 urgency, and media companies are currently making a concerted effort to notify the general public.
How can Consumers Respond?
Upon notification of the recall, consumers have the right to return all products included in the recall for a full refund, the cost of which is born by the manufacturer, according to The National Association of Wholesaler-distributors.
In the case of Wright County Egg’s Recall, “Consumers who have suspicious eggs can get a refund if they return them in their original carton to the store where they were bought,” according to CBS news.
If you are concerned that you may have purchased contaminated eggs, check which brand you purchased. According to CBS, at risk brands include:
• “Lucerne
• Albertson
• Mountain Dairy
• Ralph’s
• Boomsma’s
• Sunshine
• Hillandale
• Trafficanda
• Farm Fresh
• Shoreland
• Lund
• Dutch Farms
• Kemps”
Sources
1. Aina Hunter, Egg Recall Sparked by Salmonella Threat: Are You at Risk?, CBS News
2. Gönül Kaletunç, Ph.D. and Ferhan Özadali, Ph.D., Understanding the Recall Concept in the Food Industry, Ohio State University Fact Sheet Extension
3. NAW Legal Advisory, Wholesale-Distributor may be Liable for Product Recall, The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
4. Kim Steele, How Product Recall Notifications Work, How Stuff Works
