Egg Recall Investigation: Searching for Salmonella Clues

Aug. 24, 2010 — -- In Iowa, 20 U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspectors are focusing on the two big egg farms involved in a massive recall, looking for commonalities among the windowless hen houses where the eggs were laid.

"They may have to look many places -- the chicken, and the eggs, at the chicken litter, the feed, the dirt, workers boots, processing equipment, fan blades many things could be a source of contamination," said William Hubbard, a former FDA associate commissioner.

Like detectives, investigators are tracing the bacteria back from the cluster of cases where numerous people got sick. The two affected farms have been identified as Hillandale Farms and Wright County Egg.

They first noticed a pattern in egg products used for a high school prom, a college graduation party and a catered breakfast in California.

"We went on several levels -- who was the caterer, who supplied the caterer and traced it back to this Wright County Egg in Iowa," said Jonathan Fielding, director for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

A statement issued by Wright County Egg said it "has worked closely with the FDA through their review of our farms."