This week’s readings contain references to the fine dining and sumptuous feasts of the uncaring wealthy. But if your own meals this summer included the humble egg, you may have been one of an estimated 1,600 who suffered from the salmonella outbreak. This week the leaders of two egg companies face congressional scrutiny for alleged careless practices and unsanitary conditions on their farms.

U.S. House Energy and Commerce Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak (D.-Mich.) said the outbreak paints “a very disturbing picture of egg production in America” as committee members were shown photos of dead chickens, bugs, and holes in hen houses on Wednesday.

The owner of Wright County Egg, Austin “Jack” DeCoster, said in prepared testimony that he was “horrified” to learn that his eggs may have sickened so many people. But DeCoster also suggested that the outbreak might not be his company’s fault. Orland Bethel, CEO of Hillandale Farms, the other Iowa egg farm linked to the outbreak, has cited the Fifth Amendment in refusing to testify at the hearing.

Source: An article by Mary Clare Jalonick for Associated Press