Ongoing Salmonella Outbreak Linked To 1.7M Recalled Eggs; E. Coli Concerns: Recall Roundup

Products that may contain bacteria causing food-borne illnesses top recall news this week, with 1.7 million eggs tied to a multi-state salmonella outbreak and a recall of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

Also, nearly a half million SUVs have been recalled because parts of the front doors may suddenly fly off and hit other motorists, and 1.7 million window air-conditioning units were recalled after customers reported a problem with mold that made them sick.

Sources for this report are the Food and Drug Administration, USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Patch reporting

1.7M Eggs Recalled In Salmonella Outbreak

California-based August Egg Co. has recalled 1.7 million eggs and is sending newly laid eggs to a breaking facility during an investigation into a multi-state salmonella outbreak that has sickened dozens of people.

Both brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs linked to a salmonella outbreak were recalled, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The eggs were distributed from Feb. 3 to May 15 to retailers in California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana and Wyoming. The eggs have best-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19.

The eggs were distributed under more than two dozen brand names and distributed to stores that include Walmart and Safeway.

The salmonella outbreak has sickened at least 79 people in New Jersey, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington state and California, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 21 people have been hospitalized. » Details.

Ground Beef Recalled Due To E. Coli Fears

Ground beef distributed to Whole Food Stores nationwide may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, according to a public health alert issued by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The meat was also shipped to distributor locations in Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois and Maryland.

The problem was discovered by Whole Foods, which notified the agency it that testing was positive for E. coli bacteria. The meat is no longer available for purchase, but consumers are asked to check for it in their refrigerators and freezers/

“These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,” the alert said.

The agency said the one-pound, vacuum-packed packages of “ORGANIC RANCHER ORGANIC GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN 15% FAT” were produced on May 22 and 23 this year. The packaging has a use or freeze-by date of 06-20-25 and “EST 4027” is found inside the USDA inspection mark. » Details.

Nearly 500K SUVs Recalled Because Parts May Fly Off

Ford Motor Co. has recalled nearly 500,000 of one of its most popular SUVs because the front driver and passenger side door trim can fly off while driving and create a hazard for other motorists, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ford is recalling 492,145 Ford Explorer SUVs from model years 2016 and 2017. The company is developing a remedy and will notify customers when it’s available. The automaker began notifying them of the door trim hazard on June 9. » Details.

Consumers Sickened By AC Units, 1.7M Recalled

Midea is recalling about 1.7 million U and U+ window air conditioners in the U.S. due to a risk of mold exposure, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Water can pool in the affected units and fail to drain quickly enough, creating an environment for mold growth

Exposure to mold may cause respiratory infections, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing, or sore throats, particularly in sensitive individuals.

The company has received at least 152 reports of mold forming in the units, and 17 people reported they were experiencing symptoms that may be linked to mold exposure.

The units sold at retailers including Costco, Menards, Home Depot, Best Buy, and online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and others. Prices ranged from $280 to $500. » Details.

Popular Cold, Baby Products Recalled Over Hidden Risk

Church & Dwight Co. Inc. has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of several Zicam and Orajel swab products due to potential fungal contamination that could pose serious health risks, especially for children and people with weakened immune systems.

The products were sold nationwide, according to the Food and Drug Administration, which has a full list of affected products on its recall page.

The company says the swabs may contain fungi in the cotton components. If used, especially by individuals with nasal inflammation or injuries, the contaminated swabs could lead to serious or even life-threatening infections, such as bloodstream infections.

The risk is greatest for children and people with weakened immune systems or underlying conditions. So far, no serious adverse events have been reported. » Details.

• Related: Are Food-Borne Illnesses Increasing, Or Are Scientists Better At Detecting Them?