Highlights
- The FDA elevated an egg recall to warn of serious health risks, including death.
- Milo’s Poultry Farms linked to a salmonella outbreak in nine states.
- 65 people have fallen ill; 24 have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.
- Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.
- Affected states include Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, among others.
- Consumers should dispose of the recalled eggs and sanitize surfaces.
- Children under 5, the elderly, and immunosuppressed individuals are most at risk.
In late September, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upgraded an egg recall alert to the most critical level, warning that consuming the affected eggs could lead to severe health issues, including death.
This recall stems from a salmonella outbreak tied to eggs distributed by Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC between May and August 2023. The recall impacts several states, and the FDA urges consumers to take immediate action.
The original recall began on September 6, 2023, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a growing number of salmonella cases.
On September 30, the FDA elevated the warning to a Class I recall—meaning these eggs can cause serious health problems or even death if consumed.
What Are the Recalled Eggs?
The eggs in question are linked to a salmonella outbreak originating from Milo’s Poultry Farms in Bonduel, Wisconsin.
The affected products were distributed to stores and restaurants in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. The recall includes multiple brands, all of which have expiration dates of October 12, 2023, or earlier.
Recalled brands include:
- Milo’s Poultry Farms
- M&E Family Farms
- Tony’s Fresh Market
- Duck eggs from Happy Quackers Farm (packaged by Milo’s)
If you have any of these brands, dispose of them immediately and follow safety precautions to avoid contamination.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a harmful bacteria that can infect the digestive system. People who consume food contaminated with salmonella often experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.
Symptoms can appear between six hours to six days after eating the contaminated food, lasting up to seven days.
In severe cases, the infection may spread beyond the digestive tract and cause more critical health issues.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The CDC reports that while anyone can contract salmonella, some groups are more likely to suffer from severe illness:
- Children under 5 years old
- Elderly individuals
- People with weakened immune systems
These groups are more prone to dehydration, prolonged illness, and life-threatening complications from salmonella poisoning.
Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning
If you’ve recently consumed eggs and are feeling unwell, you might wonder if it’s linked to the outbreak. Symptoms of salmonella infection include:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever over 102°F
- Vomiting
- Dehydration (signs include dry mouth, little to no urination, and dizziness)
It’s crucial to consult your doctor if you experience diarrhea lasting more than three days or if you have any difficulty keeping liquids down.
These symptoms could indicate a serious infection requiring medical attention.
Which States Are Affected by the Salmonella Outbreak?
As of the latest investigation, the salmonella outbreak linked to Milo’s eggs has affected nine states. The majority of cases were reported in Wisconsin. Here is the breakdown of confirmed cases per state:
- California: 2 cases
- Colorado: 1 case
- Iowa: 2 cases
- Illinois: 11 cases
- Michigan: 2 cases
- Minnesota: 3 cases
- Utah: 1 case
- Virginia: 1 case
- Wisconsin: 42 cases
In total, 65 people have been infected across these nine states, with 24 requiring hospitalization.
Fortunately, no deaths have been reported so far, but the situation remains critical due to the risk salmonella poses, especially to vulnerable populations.
What Should You Do If You Have Recalled Eggs?
If you live in any of the affected states or purchased eggs from the listed brands, it’s essential to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
- Do not consume the eggs. Even if you haven’t experienced symptoms, the risk of infection is too high.
- Throw away the eggs. Dispose of any eggs you think may be linked to the recall.
- Sanitize surfaces. Clean any surfaces or containers that may have come in contact with the eggs. Use hot, soapy water to prevent any spread of bacteria.
- Wash hands and utensils. After handling the recalled eggs, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and make sure any utensils or cutting boards that touched the eggs are sanitized.
- Contact your doctor if you feel unwell. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms of salmonella, especially if they worsen or persist.
The Impact of Salmonella on Health
Salmonella is not always life-threatening, but it can lead to serious health issues if untreated.
Most healthy individuals recover without treatment within a week, but in some cases, the infection can be severe. Dehydration and a weakened immune response can cause prolonged illness and even hospitalization.
In rare situations, salmonella can enter the bloodstream, leading to conditions like sepsis, which can be fatal.
Why Was the Recall Elevated?
The recall was upgraded to a Class I recall on September 30, 2023, after the FDA evaluated the potential health risks.
A Class I recall is the most serious type of recall and indicates a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Although no deaths have been reported yet, the hospitalization of 24 people underlines the gravity of the situation.
The farm responsible, Milo’s Poultry Farms, has voluntarily pulled all affected eggs from stores and is cooperating with the FDA’s investigation.
Tony’s Fresh Market, one of the major distributors involved, has also confirmed that they have removed all recalled products from their shelves.
How to Prevent Salmonella Poisoning in the Future
The best way to protect yourself from salmonella is by following safe food handling practices:
- Cook eggs thoroughly. Make sure your eggs are fully cooked, as heat kills salmonella.
- Avoid raw eggs. Stay away from recipes that include raw eggs, such as certain salad dressings, cookie dough, or homemade mayonnaise.
- Wash your hands. Always wash your hands before and after handling eggs or raw chicken.
- Store eggs properly. Keep eggs refrigerated at or below 40°F to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
By taking these steps, you can minimize your chances of contracting a foodborne illness like salmonella.
With the salmonella outbreak linked to eggs now elevated to a Class I recall, the situation is serious.
Consumers in affected states should dispose of any recalled eggs immediately, clean surfaces that may have been exposed, and seek medical help if they experience symptoms of salmonella.
The FDA, CDC, and companies like Tony’s Fresh Market are working to prevent further cases, but the public must remain cautious.
