Wal-Mart's Fla. Supercenters to Carry Pasteurized-Shell Eggs

BENTONVILLE, Ark.-- Wal-Mart's 200 supercenters operating in Florida have begun to carry pasteurized-shell eggs, according to the product's supplier.

Lansing, Ill.-based Davidson's Pasteurized Shell Eggs said yesterday it has started shipping its fresh product to the Florida division of Wal-Mart, which is based here.

The company said it produces the only shell egg to undergo a patented pasteurization process that destroys harmful bacteria, including Salmonella enteritidis (SE), the main egg-related salmonella virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year more than 118,000 egg-related salmonella cases are confirmed, and many more are underreported or misdiagnosed. In Florida, 4,100 cases of salmonella, including egg-related salmonella, were reported statewide last year, according to the state Department of Health.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates 2.3 million eggs contaminated with SE were sold last year, exposing a large number of people to risk of illness. More than 60 million Americans are at risk for severe reactions to egg-related Salmonella, including children under 10, pregnant women, those over 50 and those with compromised immune systems. The FDA recommends using pasteurized eggs in all dishes calling for raw or softly cooked eggs.

Davidson's Pasteurized Shell Eggs said its eggs are now available at retailers in 30 states.
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