Why food recalls are increasing
E. coli bacteria, metal and even a dead bat have been found in recalled foods. The number of food recalls is actually increasing. But that could actually be a good sign. Here’s why.
USA TODAY
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recalled eggs are linked to a salmonella outbreak. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration are currently investigating the incident.
In nine states, 65 people have been infected with salmonella from eggs supplied by Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC. The illnesses began between May 23 and Aug. 10, according to an FDA alert released Friday. Twenty-four people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
“The actual number of people sick in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known cases,” the CDC says. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported because it typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
The CDC investigation analyzed the demographic makeup of the 65 cases reported in the egg recall. The people who contracted salmonella ranged in age from 2 to 88 years old. 56 percent of the cases were female and 46 percent were male. The racial majority of the 65 cases was white, which accounted for 92 percent, followed by 5 percent African American or black and 3 percent Asian.
Milo’s Poultry Farms is located in Bonduel, Wisconsin, about 29 miles north of Green Bay.
Milo’s Poultry Farm has voluntarily recalled all eggs supplied by the farm, the FDA said. The recalled eggs were distributed to retailers and food suppliers in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, the alert said.
USA TODAY has contacted the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Milo’s Poultry Farms for comment.
According to the CDC, the eggs were labeled as Milo’s Poultry Farms or Tony’s Fresh Market. Tony’s Fresh Market said it was cooperating with the investigation.
“The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with the FDA in their investigation and have taken immediate action by removing all affected products from our shelves,” said Marisa Kutansky, a spokeswoman for Heritage Grocers Group, owner of Tony’s Fresh Market. “We are monitoring this recall and will continue to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our customers.”
Here’s what you need to know about the egg recall.
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Which eggs are being recalled?
According to the CDC and FDA, all carton sizes and expiration dates of the following egg brands are being recalled:
- Milo’s Poultry Farms
- Tony’s Fresh Market
In which states have salmonella cases been reported?
According to the investigation, cases related to the outbreak have been reported in these states:
- California
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
How many people are sick?
Nine states have reported cases of salmonella related to the egg recall. Cases in each state:
- California, 2
- Colorado, 1
- Iowa, 2
- Illinois, 11
- Michigan, 2
- Minnesota, 3
- Utah, 1
- Virginia, 1
- Wisconsin, 42
Can’t see the map? Click here to view it.
Salmonella outbreak: According to the CDC, more than 400 people have been sickened by salmonella from backyard poultry
What should you do if you have the recalled eggs?
Here’s what consumers, restaurants and retailers should do if they have the recalled eggs:
- Do not eat, sell or serve recalled chicken eggs produced by Milo’s Poultry Farms and distributed to restaurants and retailers in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces or containers that have come into contact with the eggs.
- Discard any eggs you believe may be related to the recall.
- Wash your hands, utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw eggs and foods containing raw eggs.
- Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you think you may have symptoms of salmonella infection after eating eggs.
- According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of Salmonella infection are:
- Diarrhea and fever over 39 degrees.
- Diarrhea for more than three days that is not getting better.
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Vomiting and inability to keep fluids down.
- Signs of dehydration.
- According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of Salmonella infection are:
What are salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms can appear between six hours and six days after infection and last four to seven days, according to the CDC.
According to the FDA, children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are more likely to develop serious infections if they become infected with Salmonella.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on USA TODAY’s National Trending Team. Ahjané covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.
