FDA says egg recall over salmonella can have ‘serious’ health effects: Avoid these brands

The Food and Drug Administration has escalated its ongoing recall of eggs due to salmonella contamination to the most serious class.

The recall of Milo’s Poultry Farm eggs is now class I, meaning there “is a reasonable probability that use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The egg recall was first announced in early September 2024. Eggs sold in three states were recalled after dozens have gotten sick with the same strain of bacteria. The recall initially affected about 108,00 cartons of eggs but was later expanded to more than 345,000.

The voluntary recall includes all varieties and sizes of eggs supplied by Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC, according to a Sept. 6 alert from the Food and Drug Administration. The eggs have been linked to 65 illnesses in nine states.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause severe illness when consumed by certain populations, such as those over 65 or who have weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, but if they last more than three days, or lead blood in stool or a fever of above 102 degrees, contact a medical professional.

Is there a recall on eggs?

Yes, according to the FDA, there is currently a recall on eggs sold in three states: Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan.

The status of the recall is ongoing, according to the FDA.

“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.

If you have purchased the recalled eggs, throw them out, per the FDA.

The recalled eggs were sold under mutiple brand names, according to the FDA.

As of Sept. 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say 65 people across nine states have been sickened and 24 have been hospitalized due to salmonella infections. People reported getting sick from May 23 to Aug. 10, 2024. Of those cases, most, 41, have been reported in Wisconsin, according to CDC data.

Which eggs are recalled?

All eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC based in Bonduel, Wisconsin, were voluntarily recalled as of early September.

The recall came after an analysis of samples from the company’s facility and packing house turned up salmonella bacteria that matched the strain involved in the ongoing outbreak, the FDA explains.

Those who purchased the eggs should not consume them. The company is currently not producing or distributing the eggs “and will undergo appropriate testing and sanitization of farms and processing equipment,” the FDA alert says.

According to the FDA, the recall includes:

• All carton sizes (M, L, XL and jumbo), all egg types (cage-free, organic and non-GMO) and all expiration dates labeled with “Milo’s Poultry Farms.”

• All carton sizes of “Tony’s Fresh Market” branded eggs. Again, this includes all expiration dates.

• Happy Quackers Farm duck eggs

• M&E Family Farms eggs from free range hens

The recall also includes eggs with all expiration dates from the company that were sold for foodservice distribution, the FDA says.

Egg recall brands

The recalled eggs are chicken and duck eggs sold under four brand names:

• Milo’s Poultry Farms

• Tony’s Fresh Market

• Happy Quackers Farm

• M&E Family Farms

Egg recall states

The recalled eggs were sold in three states:

• Wisconsin

• Illinois

• Michigan

So far, most of the salmonella cases linked to the recall have been recorded in Wisconsin. In total, nine states have reported illnesses linked to the recall:

• California

• Colorado

• Iowa

• Illinois

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Utah

• Virginia

• Wisconsin

What is salmonella?

Salmonellosis is an intestinal infection caused by salmonella bacteria, the Mayo Clinic explains.

The infection causes symptoms that are similar to other food-borne illnesses, including:

• Diarrhea

• Stomach cramps

• Fever

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Chills

• Blood in stool

The symptoms of a salmonella infection typically appear between eight and 72 hours of exposure.

Otherwise healthy people generally recover from salmonella within a few days to a week (although diarrhea may last up to 10 days) and don’t require any specialized treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. While recovering, it’s important to stay hydrated.

In some cases, however, a salmonella infection can be more concerning. Salmonella becomes serious if it causes severe dehydration or if it spreads beyond the intestines, potentially causing life-threatening complications.

Because salmonella symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, the FDA recommends consulting a health provider if you think you may have salmonella.

Young infants, older adults, pregnant people, transplant recipients and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe cases of salmonella.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com