Nearly a month after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an initial recall of eggs produced by a Wisconsin-based farm, the agency has reclassified its recall to Class 1, its highest categorization.

A Class 1 recall is defined as a “situation in which there is a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to a violating product will result in serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the FDA.

September 6, Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC. of Bonduel, Wisconsin, recalled all Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market brand eggs because they “have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, fragile or elderly people. and others with weakened immune systems. The eggs were distributed in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan through retail stores and food service distributors, a company announcement said.

A total of 65 people were infected with Salmonella linked to the outbreak, according to the initial recall. The illnesses have spread to nine states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Virginia, Colorado, Utah and California. Twenty-four people were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The booster was officially relegated to Class 1 on September 30. The Associated Press reported that the recall affects more than 345,417 dozen egg cartons, totaling about four million eggs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised consumers who recently purchased the recalled eggs to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Surfaces, utensils and household items that may have come into contact with eggs should be washed in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher.

Consumers who experience serious symptoms of Salmonella – such as bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting or dehydration – should contact their health care provider immediately.