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Local Egg Operation Keeps Shelves Stocked with Safe Eggs

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Aug 24, 2010 at 1:55 PM MST

Story Updated: Sep 14, 2011 at 8:52 AM MST

In the midst of what the FDA is calling the largest egg recall in the agency's history – you may be worried about whether or not the eggs you’re eating are safe.

But a local tradition could very well be keeping Montana sheltered from the outbreak.

Since the salmonella outbreak started making headlines last week, over half a billion eggs have been pulled from store shelves in a total of 17 states. Noticeably absent from the list – Montana.

“We haven’t seen any increased illness due to those eggs," notes Bruce Treis, registered sanitarian with the City County Health Department.

‘Those eggs’ have now been traced to two farms in Iowa and sickened over 2,000 people nationwide.

But here in the treasure state, grocery stores are chock full of local eggs.

"Montana Eggs is locally owned by the Hutterites. There's 25 colonies that are involved," explains Montana Egg Manager Donnie Zuhoski.

The products of Montana Egg here in Great Falls wear many different suits around the state – filling the cartons of Albertson’s and IGA store brands – but they all share the same source.

“One thing about the local eggs here, they're this week's eggs and they're fresh, and they're free from any disease that we know of," says Martin Wipf, a member of the New Miami Colony.

With 10,000 birds and 20 years of experience under their belt, the New Miami colony drops off their truckload of eggs once a week after being washed and graded.

"Once the eggs come off the refrigerated truck, they go right into the cooler," Zuhoski says.

Adds Treis, "Always need to handle the eggs safely and that includes keeping them refrigerated, 45 degrees or below. So, even if you're out buying farm fresh eggs, make sure that they're refrigerated."

From this central facility, the eggs are shipped all across the state – and as far away as California, Washington and Canada.

For this particular load of eggs, their journey will end in Missoula.

The City County Health Department adds that besides proper refrigeration, you should always thoroughly cook eggs and clean utensils and countertops to avoid cross contamination.

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