Wisconsin health officials have announced a nationwide recall of eggs following an outbreak of salmonella infections that has affected 65 individuals across nine states. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services revealed that 42 people in Wisconsin have been infected by salmonella, and it is believed that the contaminated eggs were sold within the state.

The eggs, distributed in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan through retail stores and food service distributors, come in various types including conventional cage-free, organic, and non-GMO. Consumers are urged to check for containers labeled with 'Milo's Poultry Farms' or 'Tony's Fresh Market' and to discard them immediately.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a strain of salmonella has infected a total of 65 people in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Virginia, Colorado, Utah, and California. As of Friday, 24 individuals have been hospitalized, but thankfully no fatalities have been reported.

The egg recall is being carried out by Milo's Poultry Farms LLC, located in Bonduel, Wisconsin, as confirmed by the CDC. The health department of Wisconsin advises anyone who has purchased the recalled eggs to neither consume nor cook with them, and to dispose of them properly. Restaurants are also instructed not to sell or serve the recalled eggs.

Individuals who have consumed the eggs and are experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting are urged to seek immediate medical attention, as stated by the department.

In July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture had proposed new measures to tackle salmonella in poultry products. This included implementing a specific threshold for salmonella levels, as well as testing for six strains of particularly virulent bacteria found in turkey and chicken. If these standards are not met, poultry sales would be halted, and the affected products would be recalled.

Salmonella is responsible for an estimated 1.35 million infections annually in the United States, with the majority being caused by contaminated food. The CDC states that around 420 deaths occur each year due to salmonella-related complications. The Agriculture Department estimates that chicken and turkey contribute to approximately 168,000 infections annually.

Given the seriousness of the situation, health officials are urging consumers to remain vigilant and to follow the guidance provided to ensure their safety and wellbeing.