Maryland’s egg supply so far has no connection to the salmonella outbreaks plaguing a large portion of the country, according to state health officials.

Investigators have been out scanning the state’s grocery stores since hundreds of salmonella incidents across the country have been linked to eggs, said Alan Brench, the state’s chief of emergency response and food defects.

More than half a billion eggs have been recalled since Aug. 13, but none so far in Maryland.

Brench said that any company that packs eggs in the state must be registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. None of the plants in the recall are registered in the state, he said.

He said that doesn’t rule out the possibility of tainted eggs being sold in supermarkets.

Some may have gotten in by error or mistake,” Brench said. “But as far as the department of agriculture people are concerned they haven’t found any yet.”

Health officials will continue to monitor the situation as the recall list continues to expand, he said.

“It’s an ongoing situation and while we’re in touch with the situation you have no idea where developments go,” he said.

The companies that have recalled eggs include Luberski Inc., Hillandale Farms, Country Eggs Inc., Wright County Egg and NuCal Foods, Sunny Farms Sunny Meadow and Wholesome Farms, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.

The government agency has yet to find the cause of the contamination.

Consumers can find the plant number and Julian date stamped on the side of the box to see if the eggs they have bought have been recalled. A list of those recalled can be found on the FDA website.

If your eggs are recalled throw them out or return them to your grocery store for a refund. There are precautions consumers can take to prevent salmonella infections in the meantime.

Avoid raw or undercooked eggs, including soft-boiled and sunny side up eggs. Wash hands thoroughly when dealing with raw eggs and don’t mix cooked foods with uncooked foods. Don’t eat eggs left out for more than two hours and avoid restaurant foods made with raw eggs, such as Caesar salad or Hollandaise sauce, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

(Associated Press photo).