August 23, 2010 - Back in 2007, fifty one workers were arrested at the DeCoster egg farms located in the state of Iowa. Businessman, Austin DeCoster owns a couple of US companies that produce, and supply live chickens, chicken feeds, and chicken eggs to a major chunk of the United States.

DeCoster's egg farms are currently being investigated by the FDA as a possible source of the recent salmonella outbreak that has caused more than a half-billion eggs to be recalled since mid-August. Austin DeCoster, owner of at least two chicken supply companies was sighted four times in 1994 for major environmental violations, including hog waste contamination. (Details below in "Arrested Headlines")

Both the FDA and the US Agriculture Department oversees egg production in this country. The FDA is heading this current investigation. Those with weakened immune systems are most suseptible to suffering life-threatening symptoms. Most people experience diarrhea, cramps or fever within 3 days of consuming tainted dairy eggs.

As a general safety rule, avoid eating undercooked eggs. If you prefer your "incredible edibles" sunny-side-up, try shopping at your local farmer's market for certified organically produced eggs. This may reduce your risk for salmonella, and remember to rinse fresh whole eggs under running water before cracking or cooking.

Will more arrests come in the future for America's dairy egg industry? We will continue to "crack" the case.

Story written by: Tony Cox