Although the 380 million recalled eggs represent a small fraction of the total eggs out there, it’s still a staggering number of items that could be tainted with salmonella. The latest recall involves a second Iowa producer, Hillandale Farms.

Why is this happening? Chickens can get salmonella from rodents, tainted feed or from unsanitary humans. The hens then lay eggs with the bacteria already inside.

Fully cooking eggs will kill salmonella, but that includes the yolk — so if you like your eggs sunny side up you should go read your egg cartons right now.

The FDA says:

Eggs affected by this latest recall are distributed under the following brand names: Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms, and Sunny Meadow in 6-egg cartons, dozen-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, 30-egg package, and 5-dozen cases. Loose eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Wholesome Farms and West Creek in 15 and 30-dozen tray packs.

Eggs involved in this related recall are only eggs with the following plant numbers:
P1860 – Julian (production) numbers ranging from 099 to 230
P1663 – Julian (production) numbers ranging from 137 to 230

For info on the previous recall and instructions for reading your egg cartons, click here.

UPDATE: August 20, 2010: Related nationwide recall:
Eggs from Hillandale Farms may put consumers at risk for Salmonella. [FDA]

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