Salmonella Alert: Recalled Eggs Link Back to Poultry Farms

Wisconsin Health Officials Issue Egg Recall Following Multistate Salmonella Outbreak

42 Cases Reported in Wisconsin; Eggs Linked to Milo’s Poultry Farms

MADISON, Wis. — A voluntary food recall has been initiated for eggs branded under “Milo’s Poultry Farms” and “Tony’s Fresh Market” due to a linked outbreak of Salmonella infections. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced on Friday that 42 individuals in Wisconsin are among 65 total cases reported across nine states, prompting cooperative efforts to assess and respond to the emerging health concern.

The ongoing investigation, involving the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stems from testing that identified potential contamination of the eggs with Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause severe health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Details of the Egg Recall

According to DATCP, the eggs in question were distributed primarily in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan through various retail and food service channels. The recall encompasses all types of eggs produced by Milo’s Poultry Farms including conventional, cage-free, organic, and non-GMO varieties. Consumers should look for packaging labeled with either “Milo’s Poultry Farms” or “Tony’s Fresh Market,” with no specific expiration date or carton size being exempt from the recall.

• Conventional eggs
• Cage-free eggs
• Organic eggs
• Non-GMO eggs

The initiative to recall these eggs was triggered after environmental samples tested positive for Salmonella at the Milo’s Poultry Farms facility, which led the FDA to conduct subsequent genomic sequencing. The results indicated a direct correlation between the environmental samples and the ongoing cluster of salmonella infections.

Health Risks and Recommendations

Salmonella poses significant health risks, especially for young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of infection typically manifest between six hours to six days after exposure and may include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Vomiting

For most healthy individuals, recovery occurs without specific treatment within four to seven days. However, severe cases, particularly among high-risk groups, may require hospitalization.

The DHS and CDC have urged consumers who purchased the recalled eggs not to consume them. Instead, they should be disposed of properly to minimize the risk of illness. Restaurants and food establishments are similarly advised against serving the implicated eggs to customers.

If you have consumed any of the recalled eggs and are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended that you contact a healthcare provider for professional advice.

Widespread Impact of Salmonella

The CDC reports that the Salmonella outbreak is not confined to Wisconsin alone. As of September 6, 2024, the affected states include:

• Wisconsin
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Iowa
• Virginia
• Colorado
• Utah
• California

With 24 hospitalizations confirmed but no recorded fatalities, authorities underscore the need for consumers and businesses to remain vigilant regarding their food sources. Approximately 1.35 million Salmonella infections occur in the U.S. each year, often as a result of foodborne transmission, leading to about 420 deaths annually, according to CDC statistics.

The USDA recently proposed measures aimed at curtailing Salmonella presence in poultry products, which would involve rigorous testing protocols to keep bacterial levels within safe thresholds. The objective is to prevent outbreaks like the current one affecting consumers nationwide.

Next Steps for Affected Consumers

<pAs investigations continue, impacted consumers are advised to monitor their health closely. The DHS encourages anyone who suspects they might have contracted Salmonella through the recalled products to seek medical attention and inform healthcare professionals of their potential exposure.

For additional information regarding the recall, Milo’s Poultry Farms can be contacted directly at (715) 758-6709. Health officials remain dedicated to ensuring public safety and are working diligently to mitigate further health risks associated with this outbreak.

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