Egg Recall Alert: Salmonella Concerns from Multiple States Linked to One Farm

"Recall" stamp over blurred grocery store shelves.

FDA issues urgent warning as egg recall expands across nine states due to salmonella outbreak.

At a Glance

  • FDA upgrades egg recall to Class I alert, indicating serious health risks or potential death
  • 65 people infected with salmonella in nine states, 24 hospitalized
  • Recall affects Milo’s Poultry Farms, M&E Family Farms, and Tony’s Fresh Market brands
  • Consumers urged to dispose of affected eggs and sanitize surfaces

FDA Heightens Egg Recall Alert

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated its egg recall warning to the highest level, citing a salmonella outbreak that has affected multiple states. The recall, initially announced in early September, now carries a Class I designation, signaling potential severe health consequences or death if the contaminated products are consumed.

The outbreak has been linked to eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms, located in Bonduel, Wisconsin. As of the latest report, 65 confirmed cases of salmonella have been identified across nine states, with 24 individuals requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported thus far.

Affected Products and Distribution

The recall encompasses all eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms, including those sold under the M&E Family Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market brands. Affected products have expiration dates of October 12, 2024, or earlier. The contaminated eggs were primarily distributed in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.

Per news outlet USA Today, “the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late September upgraded a previous egg recall alert to warn consumers of serious reactions and possibly death, if consumed.”

In addition to chicken eggs, the recall also includes duck eggs from Happy Quackers Farm, which were packaged by Milo’s Poultry Farms. The FDA emphasizes that all carton sizes, egg types, and expiration dates from the affected brands should be considered part of the recall.

States Affected and Precautionary Measures

The nine states reporting salmonella cases are California, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Wisconsin has reported the highest number of cases, with 42 confirmed infections. The FDA, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments, is actively investigating the outbreak.

“Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who purchased or received recalled chicken eggs, including wholesale eggs, should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that they touched,” the FDA advised.

Consumers are strongly advised not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled eggs. Instead, they should dispose of them immediately and thoroughly sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected products. This precautionary measure is crucial in preventing the spread of salmonella, a bacteria that can cause severe digestive discomfort and dehydration.

Health Risks and Symptoms

Salmonella infection can lead to a range of symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. These symptoms typically appear within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last for 4 to 7 days. While most healthy individuals recover without specific treatment, certain groups are at higher risk for severe complications.

“FDA is conducting an onsite inspection and collected samples at Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC. Salmonella enteritidis was detected in samples collected from Milo’s Poultry Farm, LLC’s packing facility and poultry house,” the agency said in its notice.

Vulnerable populations include children under 5, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. These groups should be especially vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms after consuming eggs from the recalled brands. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms such as high fever, prolonged diarrhea, or signs of dehydration should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

As the investigation continues, the FDA has committed to providing updates as more information becomes available. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and follow all recommendations to protect their health and safety during this recall.

Sources:

  1. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/10/05/fda-egg-recall-salmonella/75532160007/
  2. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-eggs-sept-2024
  3. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/eggs-recalled-salmonella-upgraded-highest-possible-risk-fda
  4. https://www.today.com/health/recall/egg-recall-salmonella-2024-rcna170210
  5. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0906-salmonella-outbreak.html
  6. https://www.pennlive.com/food/2024/10/fda-updates-egg-recall-warning-of-serious-health-risks-or-death-heres-what-to-know.html
  7. https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/10/eggs-recalled-in-michigan-may-cause-serious-adverse-health-consequences-if-consumed.html
  8. https://www.npr.org/2024/09/07/nx-s1-5104737/eggs-recall-salmonella-tonys-milos-wisconsin
  9. https://www.powderbulksolids.com/food-beverage/major-egg-recall-affecting-9-states
  10. https://www.yahoo.com/news/egg-recall-linked-salmonella-outbreak-225426333.html