Dine & Cook | Alternative food journalism

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning consumers of a nationwide recall on eggs.

Hundreds have been sickened by the spread of salmonella since May.  CDC officials tracked the root of the outbreak to in-shell eggs from Wright County Egg in Galt Iowa, which instituted an immediate recall.

Estimates show as many as 228 million eggs could be tainted with salmonella.  The eggs were sold under several different brand names, including Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph's, Boomsma's, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.

The recall was launched Friday, August 13, and includes eggs sold under those brand names as far back as May 16. They come in cartons ranging from six to 18 eggs and are marked with plant numbers P-1026, P-1413 and P-1946. The eggs should be returned for a refund and not consumed.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, cramps and abdominal pains, but the CDC says it has no reports of hospitalizations or deaths from the tainted eggs.