The FDA has issued a critical Class I recall of eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market due to a salmonella outbreak, urging consumers to take immediate action. The eggs were sold to stores and restaurants in Wisconsin and Illinois which currently hold the most people sick from salmonella. Other seven states have been affected as well including California and Colorado. It’s been reported that if one has come in contact with the recalled eggs to look out for the symptoms: diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
Salmonella Outbreak Details
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs that has affected 65 people across nine states, primarily Wisconsin and Illinois, resulting in 24 hospitalizations. As the situation escalates, the FDA has heightened the recall to a Class I level, warning of potentially severe health consequences for consumers.
The contaminated eggs were produced and distributed by Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC, sold under the brand names of Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market. Approximately four million eggs were distributed in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, posing a considerable danger to public health.
FDA inspections revealed the outbreak strain of salmonella in Milo’s Poultry Farms’ packing facility and egg-laying house. This strain exhibits resistance to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, complicating treatment for those affected.
SALMONELLA OUTBREAK: 65 people sick in 9 states from eggs labeled with “Milo’s Poultry Farms” or “Tony’s Fresh Market." Do not eat recalled eggs, throw them away or return them to the store. Learn more about this outbreak: https://t.co/SplJeusjWF pic.twitter.com/Xm6bUPWIK3
— CDC (@CDCgov) September 6, 2024
Public Health Advisory and Response
The FDA is urging consumers to discard or return recalled eggs and to thoroughly clean surfaces that might have come into contact with these eggs to prevent the further spread of bacteria. Classic symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing within 6 hours to 6 days after consumption.
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.
While most people recover within 4 to 7 days, the infection can be more severe, requiring medical attention, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
CRACKING DOWN: According to the FDA's website, the recall impacts 345,417 dozen cartons of eggs – equaling more than four million eggs in total and it began after the FDA found out the eggs tested positive for salmonella. https://t.co/8f8ZbViReo pic.twitter.com/pn3fM90mz8
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) October 8, 2024
Preventive Measures and Company Action
The FDA, alongside the CDC, continues to monitor the outbreak and advises that individuals refrain from consuming the recalled eggs. Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC has halted production and distribution operations, committing to intensive testing and sanitization efforts.
The FDA defines a Class I classification as a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
This salmonella strain is found to have originated from facilities in Wisconsin, prompting enhanced precautions among food manufacturers and distributors to protect public health. Immediate compliance with disposal recommendations is crucial for mitigating risk.