Egg Recall Upgraded to Most Severe Status by FDA Due to Salmonella Risk and Hospitalizations

Time to check your egg stash.

Last month’s egg recall due to Salmonella concerns has just gone from bad to worse. Per an announcement from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration , this ongoing recall has now been upgraded to Class I. As the FDA notes, Class I recalls are the most severe, and pertain to situations “in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Related: The Top 6 Causes of Food Recalls—and the States Most Often Impacted

The recall was first initiated on September 6, and affects Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market branded eggs in all cases and carton sizes, and with all expiration dates. The recalled eggs were distributed to retailers and food service locations in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. An estimated 345,000 dozen eggs of all types have been recalled, including conventional cage-free, organic, and non-GMO chicken eggs.

Since the recall began, the CDC notes that 65 people have become ill, and 24 people have been hospitalized across nine states, though no deaths have occurred thus far. The impacted states are California, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Side effects for those infected with salmonella include high fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Related: The 10 Foods Most Linked to Recalls and Disease Outbreaks

In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

What to Do if You Have Recalled Eggs

Given the severity of this recall, it’s important to examine your egg stash carefully. If you live in the affected areas and have any eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms or Tony’s Fresh Market, the CDC recommends that you dispose of them immediately. Additionally, you should wash any items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the recalled eggs with hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Related: What to Do If You Have Recalled Food In Your Kitchen

For more information regarding this ongoing recall and how to proceed, visit the CDC recall alert page .

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