The original egg recall was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in early September. By the end of the month, the threat was upgraded to a “Level 1 threat,” with at least nine states reporting salmonella cases linked to the recalled products. So far, 65 people have become sick in California, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin, and 24 of them have been hospitalized.
Which eggs are being recalled?
The FDA says it is recalling the following brands of eggs with expiration dates on or before October 12:
- Milo Poultry Farm
- Happy Quackers Farm (packaged duck eggs from Milo Poultry Farm)
- M&E Family Farm
- Tony Fresh Market
If you have recalled eggs from any of the listed dealers, you should discard them immediately. Any surfaces that the eggs may have come in contact with should be thoroughly disinfected, including utensils, containers and hands. If you suspect you have eaten eggs contaminated with salmonella, contact your doctor immediately.
Salmonella Symptoms and Health Risks
Salmonella is a bacteria that can make you sick. It’s usually found in uncooked foods, such as chicken or eggs, and sometimes in raw fruits or vegetables. The most common symptoms of salmonella infection are:
- stomach cramps
- diarrhea
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
These symptoms usually appear within six hours to a few days after eating contaminated food and can last four to seven days. In severe cases, the illness can lead to hospitalization or even death.
While many people recover from salmonella infections, it can be dangerous for certain groups, such as young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, according to the Mayo Clinic.
According to the CDC, salmonella infections can be prevented by cooking meat and eggs thoroughly, washing hands and any surfaces that touch raw foods, and avoiding unpasteurized milk and juice.