On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the recent salmonella outbreak that started in Michigan and is now known to have also affected Wisconsin and Illinois ended up in at least twenty-four people being hospitalized and sixty-five sickened. The eggs were produced by Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market, and they seem to be the source of the contamination. The affected regions received different deliveries containing both free-range and organic eggs sourced from these farms, which have already initiated recalls due to the risk of proliferation of the disease.
States Impacted by the Outbreak
Despite these breakout states being affected, most illnesses have been reported in Wisconsin, while Colorado, California, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Virginia, and Minnesota also experienced some flares. So far, it is Wisconsin with the highest number of cases. Hence, the CDC is advising consumers in these states to verify their egg purchases and avoid eating them if they are implicated in the recall.
Some isotopes sold under the brands Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market may pose as cage-free or organic products, thereby raising alarm because customers usually consider such foods as being health-conscious or devoid of risks.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Salmonella infection can make you feel terrible with symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. According to the CDC, usually, it takes from six hours to six days before a person who has eaten poisoned food starts showing off some signs. Most people get well after one week without any medical measures being taken. However, a few groups may face more serious problems.
Quoting CDC “Some persons, particularly those who are aged 65 years or older, children below five years of age, and individuals suffering from immunocompromised diseases, may develop severe forms that necessitate medical attention or admission to the hospital.” It is, therefore, advisable for anyone who suspects he or she might have consumed contaminated eggs to seek medical help when they feel unwell, especially if the illness persists for over a week.
Food Recalls on the Rise
The latest salmonella outbreak in the US fits into a pattern of increasing food recalls that is worrying. As noted in April this year by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund via their report, there is a surge in food recalls like never seen before since the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report showed that recalled food caused illnesses to over 1,100 people and also played a role in six deaths that occurred within 2023 only.
Various factors have been given as reasons for increases in cases of foodborne diseases, including disruption of supply chains at times which might have led to poor adherence to food safety measures. Experts are also of the opinion that contamination spates may have risen due to the resurgence of conventional onsite human-related production works since shutdowns occasioned by coronavirus and its containment strategies were lifted.
What to do if you have affected eggs
People who bought eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms or Tony’s Fresh Market stores should check for certain lot numbers on their packages and either return them to the supermarket or throw them away immediately. Even though these eggs are labeled organic or free-range, they may still be included in the recall.
If you’re uncertain about whether your eggs belong to the affected ones, then it’s better to be cautious and avoid eating them. Furthermore, cooking eggs well enough such that their internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) destroys salmonella bacteria; however, it is not advisable if one thinks he bought a contaminated piece.
Protecting yourself from foodborne illness
Refrigerate eggs at all times to protect yourself and your family against salmonella while abiding by safety guides on handling raw food. After using them, hands, utensils, and surfaces should be washed with hot soapy water. For the most part, it is advisable not to consume any raw or undercooked eggs, especially by those in sensitive groups like little ones, senior citizens, or individuals whose resistance is low.
Ongoing Investigation
The source of pollution is still being investigated by the CDC and FDA; they’re collaborating with local departments of health in those states where there are reports about new cases as well as tracking movements of the infection.
If more contaminated products are detected, then further recalls could happen. It’s recommended that consumers keep in touch with the CDC’s main web page so they can get recent information regarding recalls and outbreaks.
Owing to this inquiry, public health authorities would like to believe that quick actions taken by buyers and sellers will lessen how far this disease has spread and help stop other diseases from happening.
