Poultry commission: Arkansas eggs are safe

Eggs produced in Arkansas are safe and not part of the more than 550-million eggs recalled nationwide following a salmonella outbreak, according to a Thursday statement issued by the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission.

The tainted eggs are from Iowa, with the primary source being a large egg-laying operation in Galt, Iowa, at which about 5.5 million eggs are produced daily. Media reports suggest that about 1,300 people have been made ill from salmonella poisoning.

Arkansas egg producers have not found any Salmonella Enteritidis in their chickens or houses,” the ALPC statement noted. “The Commission has been in close contact with the packers and distributors involved in the national recall that have been distributing eggs in Arkansas. Distributors of recalled eggs notified all stores and restaurants to remove the eggs from shelves. Only a limited number of the recalled eggs were distributed in Arkansas.”

The commission advises consumers to check codes on egg cartons usually stamped on the end of the carton. Affected plant numbers are P1026; P1942; P1946; P1413; P1720; P1663 and P1860. Arkansans with eggs from one of the plants should destroy them or return them for a refund.

“Many of the brand names are packaged by multiple egg producers and not all eggs from any one brand are involved in the recall,” the commission explained in the statement.
 
According to the commission, all producers that package eggs for sale in Arkansas must register with the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission annually and label egg cartons with their plant number. Also, the commission routinely inspects wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and others to verify eggs being sold or used in Arkansas meet registration and other food safety requirements.