FDA says eggs from salmonella recall could cause serious health effects

Last month, we saw a significant recall following a salmonella outbreak that affected dozens of people across nine states. In early September, the FDA took action by recalling all types of chicken eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC, based in Bonduel, Wisconsin, after environmental samples confirmed the presence of the bacteria. This crucial decision was made in light of the increasing number of reported illnesses.

The FDA stated that the affected eggs were distributed to food service establishments and retailers in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, with reports of illness occurring between May 23 and August 10, 2024. Out of the 63 individuals who fell ill, at least 24 ended up in the hospital, though fortunately, there were no reported fatalities at that time.

By September 30, the FDA upgraded the recall to its most serious Class I status, indicating a significant risk that exposure to the recalled eggs could lead to severe health issues or even death. The agency announced that inspections and sample tests at Milo’s Poultry Farms had uncovered Salmonella enteritidis in samples collected from both the packing facility and the poultry house.

The recall covers all eggs produced by Milo’s Poultry Farms, including those with various expiration dates, carton sizes, and egg types associated with the brand. This also applies to all sizes of eggs branded as Tony’s Fresh Market and any cases intended for retail food service distribution.

Health officials are stressing the urgency of this outbreak, noting that salmonella infections usually present symptoms within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated products. Symptoms can persist for four to seven days and may include fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Vulnerable groups, such as children under five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk for severe complications.

In light of this situation, Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC has suspended all production and distribution activities. The company plans to conduct comprehensive testing and sanitization of their farms and processing equipment to ensure the safety of their products moving forward.