A recent salmonella outbreak linked to eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms has prompted a swift response from the FDA, leaving consumers worried about their breakfast staples.
At a Glance
- FDA upgraded egg recall to Class I alert, indicating serious health risks
- 65 people infected across nine states, with 24 hospitalized
- Recall affects eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market brands
- Consumers advised to discard affected products and sanitize surfaces
FDA Issues Urgent Recall
The Food and Drug Administration has escalated its response to a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms. The agency upgraded the recall to a Class I alert, signaling the potential for serious health consequences or even death if the contaminated products are consumed. This urgent action comes after 65 people across nine states were infected with salmonella, resulting in 24 hospitalizations.
The recall specifically targets eggs from “Milo’s Poultry Farms” and “Tony’s Fresh Market” brands. Milo’s Poultry Farms, located in Bonduel, Wisconsin, has voluntarily recalled all of its eggs. The affected products were distributed primarily in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, with expiration dates of October 12 or earlier.
Scope of the Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported cases of salmonella infection in California, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Wisconsin has been hit hardest, with 42 reported cases. The outbreak strain, Salmonella Enteritidis, was detected in samples collected from Milo’s Poultry Farm’s packing facility and poultry house. “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upgraded a previous egg recall alert to warn consumers of serious reactions and possibly death, if consumed.”
The recall includes all carton sizes, expiration dates, and egg types from the affected brands. Additionally, duck eggs from Happy Quackers Farm, packaged by Milo’s Poultry Farms, are also part of the recall. Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for these products and take appropriate action.
Consumer Safety Measures
The FDA and CDC are strongly advising consumers not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled eggs. Those who have purchased the affected products should dispose of them immediately and thoroughly clean any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the eggs.
“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.
Salmonella infection can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms typically appear within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last 4-7 days. While most healthy individuals recover without specialized treatment, severe cases can occur, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children under 5, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Industry Response and Ongoing Investigation
The egg industry is taking the outbreak seriously, with affected companies cooperating fully with the FDA investigation. Milo’s Poultry Farms has ceased production and distribution of its products while the investigation is ongoing. The company will undergo appropriate testing and sanitization of its farms and processing equipment before resuming operations.
“The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with the FDA on their investigation and have taken immediate action by removing all affected products related to this recall from our shelves,” Marisa Kutansky, a spokesperson for Heritage Grocers Group, the owner of Tony’s Fresh Market, previously told USA TODAY.
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, continue to investigate the outbreak. They will provide updates as more information becomes available. Consumers experiencing symptoms of salmonella infection are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately, especially if they have consumed eggs from the recalled brands.
