At least 300 people have fallen ill after eating eggs contaminated with salmonella bacteria. The salmonella was found in eggs produced by the Laerco company in Geel (Antwerp Province). The eggs were recalled from shops on 10 August, but people may still have some at home. “Be sure to check the codes on any eggs you bought previously,” says the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC).
On 10 August, the FASFC recalled eggs from the Laerco company in Geel. A salmonella outbreak had been detected in one of the henhouses.
It is now clear that around 300 people have fallen ill as a result of a salmonella outbreak linked to the eggs, reports daily Gazet van Antwerpen. The FASFC confirmed the news to the VRT.
“These are people who have consulted a doctor with symptoms that could indicate food poisoning,” says spokesperson Hélène Bonte. “Symptoms include fever, stomachache, vomiting and diarrhea.”
“A doctor who suspects that the symptoms are caused by contaminated food can take a stool sample for analysis. If salmonella is found, its DNA is compared with the DNA we have from the company in question. That is how the link is established.”
It is possible that many more people have fallen ill. “The figures are always an underestimate. Not everyone becomes seriously ill from salmonella. People in good health will, at most, experience some flu-like symptoms; they do not always go to the doctor for this and tend to recover quickly. Young children, the elderly and pregnant women can become more seriously ill.”
4 codes to look out for
The eggs were withdrawn from sale on 10 August, but people may still have some at home. “Eggs have a shelf life of 4 weeks after they are laid. The eggs currently on sale in shops are safe. If you bought eggs before 10 August, it’s best to check the codes on them again. There are four codes involved. They can be found on our website. It’s best not to eat those eggs anymore.”
Which are the codes of the affected eggs?
2-BE-1073-01
2-BE-1073-02
2-BE-1073-03
2-BE-1073-04
You can return eggs with these codes to the shop where you bought them.
VRT has contacted the company concerned that says it does not wish to comment further.