The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently escalated its recall of eggs linked to a salmonella outbreak to a Class I recall, which signifies the highest level of risk to consumers. The affected eggs, primarily sold by Milo’s Poultry Farms, have been distributed in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. The FDA warns that consuming these eggs could lead to serious health issues or even death, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The recall originally began in early September after reports of 65 people in nine states falling ill due to salmonella contamination. Most of the cases were concentrated in Wisconsin, where 42 individuals were affected. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised consumers and retailers to discard the eggs and sanitize any surfaces they may have come into contact with. The eggs were sold under various brand names, including Milo’s Poultry Farms, Tony’s Fresh Market, Happy Quackers Farm, and M&E Family Farms.
Salmonella, a bacteria commonly associated with foodborne illnesses, can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting. According to the CDC, symptoms can appear within six hours to six days of exposure and may last for several days. In some cases, the infection can become life-threatening, particularly for young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. No deaths have been reported from this outbreak, but 24 people have been hospitalized.
The FDA’s expanded recall now covers all carton sizes and egg types, including cage-free, organic, and non-GMO eggs, with expiration dates of October 12 or earlier. Retailers have been cooperating with the recall by removing the affected products from shelves. The public is urged to follow the FDA’s guidelines, which include not consuming the recalled eggs and contacting healthcare providers if symptoms of salmonella appear after ingestion.
This salmonella outbreak has impacted states beyond the Midwest, including California, Iowa, and Minnesota. The FDA’s recall underscores the importance of food safety and proper handling, as salmonella can spread quickly through contaminated surfaces and improperly cooked eggs.
As the FDA continues its investigation, consumers are reminded to stay vigilant about food recalls and practice safe handling of perishable products to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.
