### Egg Recall Elevated to Class I: Health Risks and Safety Measures Detailed by FDA

A critical warning has been issued to consumers about a significant egg recall that has now reached a Class I status, indicating a high risk of "serious adverse health consequences or death." Milo's Poultry Farms LLC, located in Bonduel, Wisconsin, has been recalling its eggs since September following a salmonella outbreak traced back to these eggs.

The recall encompasses all eggs sold under the brands "Milo's Poultry Farms" and "Tony's Fresh Market," regardless of their expiration dates. On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed to FOX Business that the recall's severity had been upgraded to Class I, which is defined by the FDA as situations where there is "a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

The FDA's investigation has revealed that the current recall impacts a staggering 345,417 dozen cartons of eggs, translating to over four million individual eggs distributed over the summer. The affected products were sold to various stores and restaurants across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.

Reports from the CDC indicate that the contaminated eggs have led to 65 illnesses and 24 hospitalizations, though fortunately, no deaths have been reported. Notably, cases of sickness have emerged in states far beyond those where the eggs were sold, including Virginia, Iowa, Minnesota, Colorado, Utah, and California.

The ongoing recall was prompted when environmental samples collected by the FDA tested positive for salmonella. "The recall was initiated after the FDA informed the company that environmental samples tested positive for the bacteria," stated an FDA press release. It was further clarified that whole genome sequencing linked these samples to an existing salmonella outbreak investigation.

Salmonella infection can lead to severe symptoms such as fever, vomiting, dehydration, and is particularly dangerous for young children and the elderly. In light of this, consumers are urged to dispose of any eggs from the recalled brands "Milo's Poultry Farms" and "Tony's Fresh Market." Furthermore, the CDC recommends that consumers rigorously clean any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with the contaminated eggs.

For any concerns or queries regarding the recall, Milo's Poultry Farms has made a helpline available at (715) 758-6709.