Egg recall update as highest risk level issued due to contamination fears

Several egg brands recalled following a salmonella warning have been given the highest possible risk rating by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Milos Poultry Farms and Tony's Fresh Market brand chicken eggs, distributed by Milos Poultry Farms LLC, were recalled by the FDA last month.

They have now been placed in the Class I risk category along with Happy Quackers Farm duck eggs, also sold by Milos Poultry Farms.

A Class I risk level is established in “a situation in which there is a reasonable likelihood that use of or exposure to an infringing product will result in serious health consequences or death,” according to the FDA.

The strain of Salmonella involved in the outbreak is resistant to the antibiotics nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, meaning serious infections may be more difficult to treat.

The eggs were recalled after salmonella was found in the chicken egg house and packing facility at Milos Poultry Farms in Wisconsin.

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“The recall was initiated after FDA notified the company that environmental samples tested positive for the bacteria,” the agency said in the original recall notice.

“The FDA also conducted whole genome sequencing and determined that the samples were related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation.”

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Initially, only Milo's Poultry Farms and Tony's Fresh Market brand chicken eggs were recalled, but in a classification update, the FDA says Happy Quackers Farm duck eggs are also included in the recall and risk classification.

These eggs were sold by retail stores and grocers in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, with customers advised not to consume them.

“12- and 18-count cartons of chicken eggs can be identified with Milos and Tony's Fresh Market brands. 12-count duck egg cartons can be identified with the Happy Quackers Farm brand, UPC 7 99705-75077 7,” the FDA stated.

All recalled eggs have a best before date of October 12, 2024 or earlier. Newsweek has reached out to Milo's Poultry Farms for comment.

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The same strain of salmonella discovered at the facility is implicated in an outbreak in the Midwest. According to the CDC, 65 people have been infected in nine states, including Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, with most infections coming from Illinois and Wisconsin.

“24 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported,” the CDC said.

Salmonella is a bacteria that primarily affects the intestines, but can also spread into the bloodstream and other parts of the body, which can lead to more serious complications, especially in those at risk.

Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain. Most people recover within 4 to 7 days without the need for treatment. However, dehydration due to diarrhea can be a problem, especially in children and the elderly.

“Some people — especially children under 5 years of age, adults 65 years of age and older, and people with weakened immune systems — may experience more severe illness that requires medical treatment or hospitalization,” the CDC explains.

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