A massive food safety crisis has erupted across the United States as federal health authorities announced an urgent recall of 1.7 million dozen eggs following a salmonella outbreak that has sickened dozens of people and sent many to the hospital.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration issued the recall notice Friday after confirming 79 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infections spanning seven states. The outbreak has resulted in 21 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported at this time.
The contaminated eggs originated from August Egg Company, a California-based producer located in Hilmar. These potentially dangerous products reached store shelves under multiple popular brand names and were distributed to major retailers across several states between February and May.
Multiple brand names affected in widespread distribution
The recalled eggs were sold under seven different brand names, making it crucial for consumers to carefully check their refrigerators. The affected brands include Clover, Marketside, Raleys, First Street, Nulaid, Simple Truth, and Sunnyside.
- Clover Organic Large Brown 12 eggs carried plant number P-6562 or CA-5330 with UPC code 070852010427
- First Street Cage Free Large Brown Loose cases containing 150 eggs bore the same plant numbers with UPC 041512039638
- Nulaid Medium Brown Cage Free 12-packs displayed plant codes P-6562 or CA-5330 and UPC 071230021042
- Marketside Organic Large Cage Free Brown 12 eggs showed identical plant numbers with UPC 681131122771
- Raleys Organic Large Cage Free Brown 12-egg cartons featured plant codes P-6562 or CA-5330 and UPC 046567028798
- Simple Truth Medium Brown Cage Free 18-egg packages carried the same plant numbers with UPC 011110099327
- Sunnyside Organic Cage Free Large Brown 12 eggs displayed plant codes P-6562 or CA-5330 with UPC 717544201441
All recalled products were packaged in both fiber and plastic cartons and marked with Julian dates ranging from 32 to 126. The eggs were distributed with sell-by dates spanning from March 4 through June 4, 2025.
Major grocery chains involved in contaminated egg sales
The tainted eggs reached consumers through numerous major grocery store chains across the affected regions. In California and Nevada, the recalled products appeared on shelves at Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raleys, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs locations.
Walmart stores in California, Washington, and Arizona also received shipments of the contaminated eggs during the same distribution period. The wide reach of these popular retailers means millions of shoppers could potentially have purchased the affected products.
Store managers at these chains have been working closely with federal authorities to remove any remaining recalled products from their shelves and to alert customers who may have purchased the eggs through loyalty card programs.
Health officials trace outbreak to egg consumption
Epidemiologists from the CDC have been working tirelessly to track the source of the outbreak, interviewing affected individuals about their recent food consumption patterns. A significant number of those who became ill reported eating eggs or egg-containing dishes in the days before developing symptoms.
The investigation led health officials directly to August Egg Company’s facility, where FDA inspectors discovered multiple samples that tested positive for Salmonella. The company has since ceased all fresh shell egg production and redirected operations to an egg-breaking facility where heat treatment can eliminate dangerous pathogens.
This type of outbreak investigation requires careful coordination between multiple agencies and can take weeks to fully trace the contamination source. The speed with which authorities identified the producer suggests the outbreak pattern was particularly clear.
Immediate action required for consumer safety
Anyone who has purchased eggs recently should immediately check their refrigerators for the recalled products. Look specifically for brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs in cartons bearing the plant codes P-6562 or CA-5330.
If you cannot locate the original packaging or are unsure about the source of eggs in your possession, health officials recommend disposing of them as a precautionary measure. The potential health risks far outweigh the cost of replacing questionable eggs.
When handling suspected contaminated eggs, thorough hand washing with hot soapy water is essential. All surfaces, utensils, and containers that may have come into contact with the eggs should also be cleaned and sanitized immediately.
Consumers can return recalled eggs to their place of purchase for a full refund, though many people choose to simply dispose of them to avoid any risk of cross-contamination during transport.
Recognizing salmonella infection symptoms
Salmonella infections typically develop between six hours and six days after consuming contaminated food. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping, though some people also experience nausea and vomiting.
Most healthy adults recover from salmonellosis without medical treatment within four to seven days. However, certain populations face elevated risks for severe complications that may require hospitalization.
Young children, adults over 65, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to serious salmonella infections. These high-risk groups should seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms after consuming potentially contaminated eggs.
In severe cases, salmonella can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other parts of the body, creating life-threatening complications. Anyone experiencing persistent high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Food safety experts emphasize prevention importance
This outbreak serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper food handling and storage practices in preventing foodborne illnesses. Even products from reputable suppliers can occasionally become contaminated during production or processing.
Consumers should always store eggs in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and use them within three to five weeks of purchase. Cooking eggs thoroughly until both the yolk and white are firm can eliminate salmonella bacteria that might be present.
Cross-contamination in home kitchens represents another significant risk factor. Raw eggs should never come into contact with ready-to-eat foods, and all surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly after egg preparation.
The August Egg Company outbreak demonstrates how quickly contaminated products can spread through the food distribution system, reaching multiple states and numerous retail chains within a matter of weeks. This rapid distribution capability makes swift recall responses absolutely essential for protecting public health.
Federal agencies continue monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed through official CDC and FDA communications channels for the most current guidance on this evolving food safety emergency.
