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Dozens Of People Sick Across Several States In Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Recalled Eggs

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Sixty-five people in nine states have been sickened by a salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Saturday.

Of 63 cases with information available, 24 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The CDC says the outbreak may be difficult to treat with commonly recommended antibiotics; lab tests showed the bacteria is resistant to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. Illnesses started from May 23 to August 10.

The eggs were supplied by Milo's Poultry Farms LLC in Bonduel, Wisconsin, and shipped to stores and restaurants in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. The US Food and Drug Administration says they may have been sent other places. The recall was announced Friday.

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The eggs are labeled with Milo's Poultry Farm or Tony's Fresh Market. All egg types, sizes and expiration dates are included in the recall.

The recalled eggs should be thrown away or returned to the store. People should wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled eggs with hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps that can start within hours or days of consuming the bacteria. Most people will recover without treatment but should seek immediate attention from a health care provider if they have severe symptoms, symptoms that don't improve after a few days or signs of dehydration. Children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to become severely ill.

Eggs Are Being Recalled In 9 States Over Salmonella Concerns

On September 6, the CDC issued a food safety alert involving eggs produced by Milo's Poultry Farms LLC. Testing by the FDA confirmed a specific strain of salmonella bacteria present in the facility where eggs are packed as well as areas that house hens. The alert accompanies a recall of affected products sold under Milo's Poultry Farms or Tony's Fresh Market labels. Illnesses have been reported in nine states, with the majority of cases occurring in Illinois and Wisconsin (Contaminated eggs were sold in both states as well as Michigan.) Other states cited in the alert include Virginia, Colorado, Utah, California, Minnesota, and Iowa.

Eggs with labels bearing the names Milo's Poultry Farms or Tony's Fresh Market should be discarded immediately, regardless of the expiration date, size, or type of eggs. While there have been 24 hospitalizations connected to this salmonella outbreak, no deaths have been reported. This is the latest of 2024's biggest food recalls so far, which have included well-known brands like Trader Joe's and Great Value, a private label brand available at Walmart.

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Egg with warning mark - Ralf Liebhold/Shutterstock

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause stomach cramping, nausea, and diarrhea. Most people experience a full recovery from the infection once symptoms pass, but there is a risk of complications that can cause serious health problems in some individuals such as babies, young children, and older adults. Poultry and eggs (among other foods) are often subject to the bacteria, which is why the USDA has cracked down on salmonella contamination in chicken with stricter regulations on processors.

This outbreak is particularly challenging because the antibiotics normally used to treat salmonella infections are not as effective due to the drug-resistant nature of this specific strain. Packages should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund. Additionally, any areas where eggs had contact with surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. In the event of more serious symptoms, such as excessive vomiting and fevers higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, medical attention should be sought immediately. Along with steering clear of recalled products, stay safe by heeding the signs eggs may not be safe to eat such as avoiding cracked or broken shells and unpleasant odors.

Read the original article on Mashed.

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Check Your Fridge: Eggs Recalled In 6 States Over Salmonella Fears, With 65 People Falling Ill

A Salmonella outbreak that has caused 65 people to fall ill in nine states has been linked to a bad batch of eggs. 

On September 6, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of Milo's Poultry Farms and Tony's Fresh Market (both owned by Milo's Poultry Farms) branded eggs as they may have been contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella, the FDA added, is "an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems." 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 65 illnesses have been reported, with 24 requiring hospitalization. However, no deaths have been reported. As NPR additionally reported, the majority of people fell ill over the summer months, between late May and early August. Most of the illnesses were reported in Wisconsin and Illinois; however, people also reported falling ill in California, Utah, Colorado, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and Virginia. The CDC also noted that the actual number of illnesses is likely much higher as it does not account for any unreported illnesses. 

The recall includes "All carton sizes and all egg types labeled with 'Milo's Poultry Farms,'" including all expiration dates, as well as "all carton sizes of 'Tony's Fresh Market' branded eggs," under all expiration dates. It also includes all cases of eggs for retail food service distribution under all expiration dates. Anyone who has purchased any of these products is urged to discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase. 

The recall includes "All carton sizes and all egg types labeled with 'Milo's Poultry Farms,'" including all expiration dates, as well as "all carton sizes of 'Tony's Fresh Market' branded eggs," under all expiration dates.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration

While Salmonella can be deadly for those with compromised immune systems, the FDA added that healthy persons could also experience an array of symptoms, including "fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.E., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis." However, most people recover without any treatment. 

Consumers who have purchased the affected brands are urged not to consume them. See the full recall instructions, along with images of the recalled products, at fda.Gov. 

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