August 18, 2010

Valued Willamette Egg Farms Customers:

We have received numerous telephone inquiries regarding the recent shell egg recall that was initiated by a producer in Iowa with national distribution and want to offer the following statement: Willamette Egg Farms has not distributed any of the recalled product and our eggs are not implicated in this recall. We strive to produce the safest eggs and believe our own Salmonella Enteriditis prevention program has proven to be sound and effective.

Salmonella Enteriditis (SE) is a unique type of salmonella bacteria which can potentially pass from SE infected hens to their eggs. Normal egg handling procedures such as refrigeration and cooking will greatly reduce the risk of illness associated with SE*, however; Willamette Egg Farms has taken a long standing, zero tolerance approach to SE in our flocks.

The FDA now requires all U.S. commercial egg producers to test their flocks for SE. For more than a decade, Willamette Egg Farms has taken a very proactive approach to SE prevention by voluntarily testing and vaccinating all of our flocks to prevent SE infection on our farms. We put these safeguards in place years ago, simply because of our ongoing commitment to provide our customers with the safest and healthiest, locally produced eggs. Willamette Egg Farms is committed to maintaining the highest level of food safety for our consumers and the highest health and welfare standards for our hens.

*For more information on proper handling and preparation of eggs and answers to other frequently asked questions, visit www.eggsafety.org

Regards,

Greg Satrum
Vice President/Owner