Eggs Linked to Salmonella Outbreak Sold In Michigan and Other States

September 7, 2024 – Eggs sold in Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin have been implicated in a salmonella outbreak that has infected 65 people and resulted in the recall of all egg types, sizes, and expiration dates from the Wisconsin-based company Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC.

Milo’s Poultry Farms Egg Recall

The recall was enforced on September 6 after eggs sold to stores and restaurants, labeled under “Milo’s Poultry Farms” or “Tony’s Fresh Market”, were identified as the potential source of the infection. The infection, caused by the same strain of salmonella, recorded cases from May 23 through August 10, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports.

“Do not eat any recalled eggs. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them,” was the clear directive from the CDC as a part of their food safety alert. With 24 cases resulting in hospitalization, the most affected states are Wisconsin and Illinois, recording 42 and 11 illnesses respectively. Two illnesses were reported in Michigan. However, the outbreak has resulted in no confirmed fatalities.

An inspection of the Milo Poultry Farms found traces of the outbreak strain of salmonella in both the packing facility and the hen egg laying house.

Strains Resistant to Common Antibiotics

The salmonella bacteria, typically leading to symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within 6 hours to 6 days after consumption, has the potential to cause severe illness in vulnerable populations like young children and older adults. Unfortunately, the CDC has indicated that this particular strain may be resistant to some commonly recommended antibiotics, necessitating alternate treatment methods.

“This outbreak may be difficult to treat with some commonly recommended antibiotics and may require a different antibiotic choice for people who need them. Laboratory testing showed that the salmonella making people sick is resistant to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin“, reads the CDC’s alert.

Public Response to Salmonella Outbreak

Concern rises among the public as news of the outbreak and recall spreads. Comprehensive details about the outbreak are now accessible on the CDC’s website, urging consumers to avoid the consumption of eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms and to return any possessed products. While public health officials are assuring people that necessary actions are being undertaken to address the outbreak, consumers are encouraged to follow safety guidelines and stay alert to updates.

Future Steps

We are yet to receive word on how the situation will develop from here. All eyes are on Milo’s Poultry Farms as they manage the fallout of the outbreak and recall, but also on public health officials as they assess the progress of the infection, the efficacy of measures undertaken to control it, and the logistical challenges imposed by the widespread recall. As always, the focus falls heavily on ensuring public safety and maintaining open channels of communication so the public can respond swiftly and efficiently to new developments.