Who Owns Michael Foods?

Michael Foods' sustainability practices are governed by Post Holdings' corporate sustainability framework. Post Holdings publishes an annual sustainability report that covers environmental, social, and governance metrics across its business segments, including the Foodservice segment where Michael Foods operates.

Post Holdings has reported that it outperforms health and safety industry rates for food manufacturing companies. The company implements comprehensive employee training programs, safety protocols, and wellness initiatives across its manufacturing facilities.

Michael Foods maintains responsible sourcing practices for its raw materials, particularly eggs. The company works with third-party contracted flocks that adhere to animal welfare standards and regulatory requirements for egg production. Post Holdings is investing $80 to $90 million in fiscal year 2026 for cage-free egg facility expansion, reflecting growing demand for cage-free egg products and evolving animal welfare standards.

The company's partnership with JUST (Eat JUST, Inc.), announced in May 2020, expanded Michael Foods' portfolio to include plant-based egg alternatives. According to the company, JUST Egg products use 98% less water, 86% less land, and emit 93% less CO2 than conventional animal sources. This partnership positions Michael Foods in the plant-based food market, which has grown as consumers seek sustainable protein alternatives.

Michael Foods maintains food safety protocols including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) systems across its processing facilities. The company follows USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service regulations for egg products processing.

Post Holdings contributes to community support initiatives including food donations exceeding 10 million pounds annually. Michael Foods' facilities participate in local community engagement programs, supporting food banks and educational initiatives in areas where the company operates.

Michael Foods is recognized as one of the largest processors of value-added eggs in the world. The company's brands, including Papetti's, Abbotsford Farms, and Davidson's Safest Choice, are established names in the foodservice industry.

The 2020 partnership with JUST (Eat JUST, Inc.) was recognized as a groundbreaking collaboration in the food industry, positioning Michael Foods as an innovator in plant-based food manufacturing and distribution. The partnership was covered by Forbes, FoodNavigator USA, and other industry publications.

In April 2026, Michael Foods launched three new breakfast products under the Papetti's brand, including cage-free egg white bites and French toast slices. These product launches reflect the company's focus on innovation in portable, protein-forward foodservice solutions.

Post Holdings received positive recognition for its sustainability performance in 2025, with Michael Foods contributing through its environmental initiatives, animal welfare investments, and responsible sourcing programs.

Michael Foods does not publish brand-specific awards separately from Post Holdings. Recognition for the company comes primarily through its parent company's sustainability reporting and industry position as the largest value-added egg processor in the United States.

On June 30, 2024, Michael Foods (operating as M.G. Waldbaum Company) announced a voluntary recall of approximately 4,620 pounds of Fair Meadow Foundations Whole Eggs with Citric Acid products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The 32-ounce cartons, produced on June 11, 2024, contained milk, a known allergen, which was not declared on the product label.

The recall affected products distributed to restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and other institutions in nine states: Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, and Utah. The products bore establishment number EST. G1455 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The issue was discovered during a routine carton inventory evaluation. Michael Foods identified that Whole Egg with Citric Acid cartons were unaccounted for, with a corresponding excess of Breakfast Blend Scrambled Egg cartons. Investigation revealed that a short production run of Breakfast Blend Scrambled Egg, which includes milk as an ingredient, had incorrectly used the Whole Egg with Citric Acid packaging.

There were no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of the mislabeled products. Michael Foods notified the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) promptly and initiated the voluntary recall. Following the recall, the company implemented enhanced labeling verification protocols and allergen control measures across its manufacturing facilities.

The most significant ongoing challenge for Michael Foods is the impact of avian influenza on its egg supply. In May 2024, Post Holdings reported that outbreaks at third-party contracted flocks in Minnesota and Iowa affected approximately 5.7 million egg-laying hens, nearly 14% of the company's egg supply. A previous outbreak in December 2023 killed approximately 4.2 million hens, roughly 10% of supply. Since February 2022, approximately 92.4 million birds have been killed due to avian influenza in the United States according to USDA data.

These outbreaks have led to reduced egg supply and higher prices. Post Holdings has implemented pricing adjustments to offset the financial impact, which has affected the Foodservice segment's net sales. The company has also faced criticism from some industry observers regarding its reliance on third-party contracted flocks, which are vulnerable to disease outbreaks.