- WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Nearly 900,000 Americans fall ill each year from
eggs contaminated with salmonella, a number vastly larger than the cases
reported by doctors, the U.S. Agriculture Department said Thursday.
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- The estimate was calculated by government
and university scientists for a USDA report that is part of the Clinton
administration's stepped-up campaign against foodborne illness. Using data
from industry, college researchers and the government, the report estimated
that 883,705 Americans contract salmonella from eggs each year. It calculated
2.3 million of 46.8 billion shell eggs produced annually in the United
States are infected with the bacteria.
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- In 1996, there were 39,027 documented
cases of salmonella poisoning linked to eggs, undercooked chicken and meat
and other foods, according to figures previously collected by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. But doctors and public health officials
have always said the number of actual cases was much higher because many
people do not seek medical treatment for diarrhea or stomach cramps. The
estimate of nearly 900,000 annual cases of salmonella linked to eggs may
be too low, said one consumer group. ``It sounds to me like their estimates
are very conservative,'' said Caroline Smith DeWaal, director of food safety
expert for the Center for Science in the Public Interest. ``We would have
expected a somewhat higher number of egg-related cases based on some estimates
that put total salmonella cases from all foods at 4 million annually.''
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- Salmonella typically lasts up to a week,
and can be life-threatening for infants, the elderly or anyone with a weak
immune system. It is considered the most common foodborne illness in the
nation.
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- The USDA said it would use data in its
new report to help find new ways to reduce the risk of salmonella from
eggs. ``It is important to communicate the risks of foodborne illness from
Salmonella Enteritidis in shell eggs and egg products in a proper context
and helpful manner, with a well-thought-out and consistent message,'' said
Catherine Wotecki, undersecretary of agriculture for food safety. Regulators
have been puzzled at the increase in reported cases of salmonella since
1976 despite efforts by the egg industry to improve sanitation.
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- Last month, the USDA and the Food and
Drug Administration said they would try to reduce the bacteria by changing
egg processing, handling and storage procedures. The agencies, which share
responsibility for regulating eggs, said they would consider requiring
``sell by'' dates on fresh eggs, strictly controlling the temperature in
trucks carrying eggs to market and creating a nationwide surveillance program
to track salmonella among flocks. Final regulations are expected by the
end of the year.
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- The FDA also recently approved a new
spray for farmers to use on baby chicks to destroy salmonella. Chicken
processors already use chlorine rinses, high-pressure washes and cold temperature
baths to kill bacteria on birds. Health officials have urged consumers
to fully cook eggs to kill any salmonella, avoiding poached or sunnyside
up dishes.
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