[LETTERHEAD]

MICHAEL FOODS COMPLETES SHARE REPURCHASES; BOARD APPROVES 0.5 MILLION SHARE
ADDITION

MINNEAPOLIS, May 22 - Michael Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq/NMS - MIKL) announced today
that it recently completed purchases of 1.5 million shares of its common stock,
which exhausted the share repurchase authorizations given to management by the
Board of Directors. Given the valuation level of the stock, the highly accretive
earnings per share impact of repurchases at such levels, and the Company's
continuing strong cash flow, the Board has authorized a new 500,000 share
repurchase program. Such repurchases may occur from time to time in the open
market or in privately negotiated transactions. Michael Foods currently has
approximately 18.2 million shares outstanding.

The recent purchases of 1.5 million shares occurred via private transactions
negotiated with certain Papetti family members. The executed price of $21.77 per
share was based upon a 10 day average closing price, with a 3% discount applied.

Gregg A. Ostrander, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, noted, "The
Papetti family continues to hold an approximate 8% position in Michael Foods'
common stock. Further, the family is actively engaged in the management of the
Michael Foods Egg Products Co. and Arthur J. Papetti and Stephen T. Papetti
remain directors of the Company. The Papetti family advises that these stock
transactions are a result of the family's estate and financial planning
activities."

Arthur J. Papetti and Stephen T. Papetti, both directors and involved in the
management of the Michael Foods Egg Products Co., commented, "The Papetti family
remains actively engaged in Michael Foods' egg products business. The recently
formed Michael Foods Egg Products Co. is well-positioned to expand on its global
leadership position in value-added egg products. We are excited about the new
business opportunities the division faces and are optimistic about the Company's
overall growth prospects."

Michael Foods, Inc. is a diversified food processor and distributor with
particular interests in egg products, refrigerated grocery products, specialty
dairy products and refrigerated potato products. Principal subsidiaries include
Papetti's Hygrade Egg Products, Inc., M. G. Waldbaum Company, Crystal Farms
Refrigerated Distribution Company, Kohler Mix Specialties, Inc. and Northern
Star Co.

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