If you’ve recently purchased eggs or deli meats, it may be time to reconsider before using them. Following a major egg recall and a deadly listeria outbreak tied to deli meats, concerns about food safety are rising.
On September 6, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall for eggs sold under Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market brands due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall includes all types of eggs—conventional, cage-free, organic, and non-GMO—sold in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. However, the outbreak has spread beyond these states, with a total of 65 cases reported across nine states. While no deaths have been reported, 24 people have been hospitalized.
Salmonella can cause a range of symptoms, from mild fever, nausea, and diarrhea to more severe complications such as brain and nerve damage if left untreated. The FDA urges anyone with affected products to immediately stop using them and sanitize any surfaces that may have come in contact with the eggs. If symptoms develop, it is essential to contact a healthcare provider right away.
This alarming egg recall coincides with another major food safety issue: Boar’s Head has announced the permanent closure of its Jarratt, Virginia plant, which was linked to a deadly listeria outbreak. The closure follows the recall of liverwurst produced at the plant after investigators found that the production process was the root cause of the listeria contamination. The company is discontinuing liverwurst sales entirely and has vowed to implement a companywide food safety program.
Boar’s Head acknowledged the “dark moment” in its history and pledged to improve its practices, including appointing a new food safety officer and creating a food safety council with independent experts. Despite the plant’s closure, which impacts hundreds of workers, the company emphasized that consumer safety remains the top priority.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had raised red flags about the Jarratt plant as early as 2022, noting issues such as mold, rusty equipment, and unsanitary conditions. The Virginia facility had not been operational since July 2024, when the initial liverwurst recall was announced. The listeria outbreak linked to the plant has resulted in 57 hospitalizations across 18 states and nine deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that the actual number of listeria cases could be higher, as some individuals with milder symptoms may not have been tested.
Listeria infections can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, and in severe cases, confusion, seizures, and even death. The CDC continues to urge consumers to check their refrigerators for recalled Boar’s Head products, especially those with “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The dual recalls of eggs and deli meats have put a spotlight on food safety concerns in the U.S., with both the FDA and USDA conducting broader investigations to ensure better standards across the food industry. As consumers face potential risks from both Salmonella and listeria, it is critical to remain vigilant about the food products in your home.
