FDA raises egg recall alert due to salmonella to ‘serious’ health hazards or death
In late September, the Food and Drug Administration revised its previous warning regarding an egg recall, highlighting severe health risks including the potential for death from consumption.
This recall was initially declared on September 6 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and was escalated to a Class I recall on September 30, indicating the product could lead to serious health complications or fatalities.
As reported, 65 individuals across nine states contracted salmonella linked to eggs provided by Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC, with infections occurring from May 23 to August 10. Although no fatalities were recorded, 24 individuals required hospitalization, according to the CDC.
Milo’s Poultry Farms is located in Bonduel, Wisconsin, roughly 29 miles north of Green Bay.
The small grocery chain has voluntarily recalled all eggs sourced from its farm, as confirmed by the FDA. The affected eggs were sent to retailers and foodservice providers in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.
YSL News contacted Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market for feedback.
“The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with the FDA during their investigation and have promptly removed all affected products related to this recall from our shelves,” stated Marisa Kutansky, spokesperson for Heritage Grocers Group, which owns Tony’s Fresh Market.
Here’s what you need to know regarding the egg recall.
Which eggs are recalled?
The FDA has stated that all sizes of cartons with expiration dates of October 12 and earlier from the following egg brands are being recalled:
- Milo’s Poultry Farms
- M&E Family Farms
- Tony’s Fresh Market
The recall notice also includes duck eggs branded as Happy Quackers Farm, sold in a 12-count carton and packaged by Milo’s Poultry Farms.
Which states have reported salmonella cases?
Reports of cases associated with the outbreak have come from the following states:
- California
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
How many individuals have fallen ill?
Cases linked to the egg recall have been documented across nine states, with the following counts:
- California (2)
- Colorado (1)
- Iowa (2)
- Illinois (11)
- Michigan (2)
- Minnesota (3)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (1)
- Wisconsin (42)
The CDC has detailed demographics for the 65 reported cases linked to the egg recall, indicating that the ages of affected individuals ranged from 2 to 88 years; 56% were female while 46% were male. Among the cases, 92% were white, 5% African American or Black, and 3% Asian.
What actions should you take if you have the recalled eggs?
If you possess the recalled eggs, consumers, restaurants, and retailers should follow these guidelines:
- Do not consume, sell, or serve any recalled chicken eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms provided to retailers and restaurants in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the eggs.
- Dispose of any eggs you suspect are part of the recall.
- Ensure to wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw eggs and meals containing them.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you may have developed symptoms of a salmonella infection after consuming the affected eggs.
Symptoms of salmonella infection
The CDC notes that common symptoms of salmonella include:
- Stomach cramps.
- Diarrhea along with a fever above 102 degrees.
- Persistent diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement.
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Vomiting and inability to hold liquids down.
- Signs of dehydration.
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can result in symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The CDC indicates that symptoms can manifest within six hours to six days after infection and can last between four to seven days.
Children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly susceptible to severe infections caused by salmonella, according to the FDA.