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The FDA and CDC are assisting state and local partners from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection and Wisconsin Department of Health Services in an investigation of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to eggs supplied by Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC of Bonduel, Wisconsin (WI). 65 people from 9 states ((CA (2), CO (1), IA (2), IL (11), MI (2), MN (3), UT (1), VA (1), and WI (42)) have become sick from the same strain of Salmonella. Of the 63 people with information available, 24 have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. FDA is conducting an onsite inspection and collected samples at Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC. Salmonella Enteritidis was detected in samples collected from Milo’s Poultry Farm packing facility and poultry house. The analysis determined that the Salmonella detected in these samples matched the strain of Salmonella that caused illnesses during this outbreak. Recalled eggs were sold to stores and restaurants in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin and labeled with “Milo’s Poultry Farms” or “Tony’s Fresh Market.” All egg types, sizes, and expiration dates are recalled. Laboratory testing showed that the Salmonella that made people sick is resistant to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. The resistance to common antibiotics makes the treatment more difficult. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-eggs-sept-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC (Bonduel, WI) recalled all “Milo’s Poultry Farms” and “Tony’s Fresh Market” branded eggs because these eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Milo’s Poultry Farms’ eggs were distributed in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan through retail stores and food service distributors. The recall includes all carton sizes and all egg types labeled with “Milo’s Poultry Farms.” All carton sizes of “Tony’s Fresh Market” branded eggs and all cases of eggs for retail food service distribution. The recall was initiated after the FDA informed the company that environmental samples tested positive for Salmonella. FDA also conducted whole genome sequencing and found that the samples were related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak investigation. Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC. has ceased production and distribution and will undergo appropriate testing and sanitization of farms and processing equipment. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/milos-poultry-farms-llc-recalls-eggs-because-possible-health-risk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

CORE update of August 21, 2024: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes eight activities. A new outbreak of almonella Enteritidis (ref #1250) not linked to any identified product has been added to the table. FDA has initiated an onsite inspection and sample collection. The outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 (ref #1249) is not linked to any identified product, and the case count has increased from 25 to 26. The outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (ref #1247) is not linked to any identified product. The FDA has initiated sample collection. For the outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis illnesses (ref #1245) not linked to any identified product, the case count has increased from 41 to 50 cases. For the outbreak of Salmonella Newport (ref #1248) not linked to any identified product, the case count has increased from 6 to 7. The outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium (ref #1234) is not linked to any identified product. The FDA has initiated an onsite inspection. In the investigation of illnesses (ref #1233) linked to Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies, the advisory has been updated to include 158 and 63 hospitalizations. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Scientists from Wisconsin University published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology an article entitled “Time of arrival during plant disease progression and humidity additively influence Salmonella enterica colonization of lettuce.”  Salmonella enterica has been known to take advantage of phytobacterial infection to increase its success in plants. Still, there is little knowledge of additional factors that may influence the relationship between enteric pathogens and plant disease. The study investigated the role of humidity and the extent of plant disease progression on S. enterica colonization of plants. High humidity was necessary for the replication of S. enterica on diseased lettuce but not required for S. enterica ingress into the UV-protected apoplast. The Xanthomonas hortorum pv. vitians ( X. vitians) infected lettuce host was found to be a relatively hostile environment for S. enterica when it arrived before the development of water soaking or following necrosis onset. In vitro growth studies in sucrose media suggest that X. vitians may allow S. enterica to benefit from cross-feeding during plant infection. The study emphasizes the role of phytobacterial disease as a driver of S. enterica success in the phyllosphere, demonstrates how the time of arrival during disease progress can influence S. enterica’s fate in the apoplast, and highlights the potential for humidity to transform an infected apoplast into a growth-promoting environment for bacterial colonizers. Increased humidity did not enhance plant disease; high humidity substantially facilitated Salmonella enterica growth in Xanthomonas-infected plants. High humidity climates may directly contribute to the survival of human enteric pathogens in crop fields or indirectly affect bacterial survival via changes to the phyllosphere brought on by phytopathogen disease @ https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.01311-24