Concerns About Salmonella: Will We Soon Have to Stop Eating Eggs?
Cause for concern? The Ministry of Health announced several cases of salmonella in eggs reported in Israel and other countries. So, do we need to give up on scrambled eggs or sunny side up?
(Photo: shutterstock)The Ministry of Health is also worried and announces an increase in the most dangerous strain of salmonella found in the eggs we consume.
In a statement released by the ministry, it reads: "Recently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of a strain of salmonella bacteria (salmonella enteritidis) in 14 countries in Europe and also in Israel, which has caused gastrointestinal illness and even clusters of illness in 2016 and 2017."
"According to the information available to the Ministry of Health, it is highly likely that the source of the bacteria is in eggs, but a specific or definite source has not yet been identified. In Europe, the source is likely to be eggs from Poland. Illnesses have been reported in Europe including in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Hungary, Norway, and Sweden. Samples have been sent to Europe to check if it is the same bacteria, and there will be answers within a few weeks."
In light of this, the Ministry of Health wishes to once again refresh the guidelines to the public regarding the purchase, storage, handling, and consumption of eggs and foods containing eggs."
About two weeks ago, inspectors from the veterinary services of the Ministry of Agriculture found signs of salmonella in a chicken coop in Moshav Alma in the Upper Galilee, and as a result, the marketing of eggs from that farm was banned pending final test results. Additionally, in Ministry of Agriculture inspections, eggs containing salmonella imported from Ukraine were discovered, and their marketing was stopped.
The question arises whether we should give up on eggs from today? There is no need for that. However, you must follow these safety rules: When you purchase eggs, make sure they are sealed in plastic wrap and sold in an air-conditioned store. Do not buy from shops without air conditioning for eggs. Also, check if the address and sorting station, egg type, and last marketing date are marked. It is also advisable to look at the carton to see if there is a sorting station mark.
