Salmonella scare – France recalls 3 million eggs

French authorities have ordered the recall of some 3 million eggs because of a possible contamination with salmonella. Smaller batches of eggs have also been recalled. Health agencies report that, so far, 8 people have been reported sick with a possible link to the contamination, but no hospitalisations have been reported.

Egg distributor Ovalis has announced the recall of a number of large lots of eggs sold under different brands by all major French supermarket chains, including Carrefour, Auchan and Leclerc, as well as eggs distributed by the chain of foodbanks Restos du Coeur in the whole of France.

According to Ovalis, the preventive recall is necessary because of a potential contamination with Salmonella Typhimurium. The eggs have been sold in boxes of a dozen, 10 or half a dozen between 29 September and 10 October with a use-by date until 31 October.

The company says that only a small number of eggs might have been contaminated but they have been mixed in their packing stations with large numbers of other eggs, making the large-scale recall of 3 million eggs necessary.

Brands involved include Poitou Oeufs, Tout Frais tout Français and Douce France. Among the smaller batches are eggs sold under own brands Carrefour Original or Leclerc Eco+ or in supermarkets of Lidl France.

Authorities advise not to consume or otherwise use the eggs but to destroy them or return them to the supermarket or other shop for a refund. People who have consumed eggs and show specific symptoms are strongly advised to consult their doctor. The health agency has started a helpline for people with concerns or questions. Product safety authorities are tracing the supply chain of the eggs up to the feed used by the poultry holders. So far, no results have been published about their findings.