FDA recalls Milo’s Poultry Farms eggs after link to salmonella cases

Iowa is one of nine states to report cases of salmonella after the Food And Drug Administration announced a recall of a brand of eggs linked to the illnesses in early September.

The recall alert was upgraded at the end of September to warn consumers of serious reactions and possibly death if consumed, according to USA TODAY. While no deaths have been reported, border states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois are seeing the highest rate of cases in the country.

In total, there are 65 known cases of salmonella linked to eggs supplied by Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC from May 23 to Aug. 10. There are 24 hospitalizations from those illnesses.

What are the recalled products from Milo’s Poultry Farms?

All cases and carton sizes labeled with Milo’s Poultry Farms, M&E Family Farms and Tony’s Fresh Markets with expiration dates of Oct. 12 and earlier are recalled by the FDA. These products were sold in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. Milo’s Poultry Farms is a company based in Bonduel, Wisconsin, about 29 miles north of Green Bay.

How many salmonella cases has Iowa seen?

Iowa has seen two cases of salmonella linked to the Milo’s Poultry Farms recall. Meanwhile, 11 people in Illinois have reported illness. Wisconsin has seen the highest number of cases, with a total of 42 reports, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Other states that have reported cases include:

• California — 2
• Colorado — 1
• Michigan — 2
• Minnesota — 3
• Utah — 1
• Virginia — 1

What should you do if you have the recalled eggs?

Consumers, restaurants and retailers should do the following 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.
• Carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the eggs have touched.
• Dispose of any eggs you believe may be linked to the recall.
• Wash your hands, utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw eggs and food containing raw eggs.
• Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if you believe you may have developed symptoms of a salmonella infection after eating eggs.

Symptoms of salmonella poisoning

According to the CDC, common symptoms of salmonella include:

• Stomach cramps.
• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees.
• Diarrhea for more than three days that will not improve.
• Bloody diarrhea.
• Vomiting and inability to keep liquids down.
• Signs of dehydration.

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause people to experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms can appear between six hours and six days of infection and will last for four to seven days, the CDC said. 

Children younger than 5, the elderly and people who are immunosuppressed are more likely to have severe infections if they contract salmonella, the FDA said.  

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.