Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Recalled Eggs Sickens Dozens

A multistate salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated eggs has sickened 79 people across seven states, prompting the recall of approximately 1.7 million dozen eggs from August Egg Company. Health officials report that 21 victims have required hospitalization, though no deaths have been recorded in connection with the outbreak that began in late February and continued through mid-May.

The California-based August Egg Company voluntarily recalled all organic and cage-free brown eggs distributed to retailers and restaurants in nine states after FDA inspections revealed salmonella contamination at their processing facility, according to CDC.

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Widespread Distribution Across Nine States

The recalled eggs were distributed between February 3 and May 15, 2025, reaching major retail chains including Walmart, Safeway, Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Raleys, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs. The contaminated products carried sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19, 2025, and bore plant code numbers P-6562 or CA5330.

Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming received shipments of the affected eggs. However, illnesses have been confirmed in only seven states: Arizona, California, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, and Washington. Some victims in Kentucky, New Jersey, and Washington reported traveling to California and Nevada before becoming sick.

FDA Investigation Reveals Facility Contamination

Federal investigators conducted a comprehensive traceback investigation after identifying August Egg Company as a common supplier among affected individuals. During an inspection of the company’s Hilmar, California processing facility, FDA officials collected environmental samples that tested positive for the outbreak strain of salmonella using whole genome sequencing analysis.

Of the 30 people interviewed by health officials, 27 reported consuming eggs or egg-containing dishes before falling ill. State investigators also identified illness clusters at two restaurants where eggs were served, providing additional evidence linking the contamination to the August Egg Company supply chain, according to FDA.

Company Response and Safety Measures

August Egg Company immediately diverted all eggs from their processing plant to an egg-breaking facility for pasteurization upon discovering the contamination issue. The pasteurization process kills harmful pathogens, including salmonella, making the products safe for consumption. The company has committed to implementing comprehensive corrective actions to prevent future incidents.

“We are committed to addressing this matter fully and to implementing all necessary corrective actions to ensure this does not happen again,” the company stated. Their internal food safety team is conducting a stringent review to identify additional preventive measures for their operations.

Health Symptoms and At-Risk Populations

Salmonella infections typically develop 6 hours to 6 days after exposure to contaminated food, with symptoms lasting 4 to 7 days in most cases. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and abdominal pain. While most people recover without medical treatment, certain populations face increased risk of severe complications.

Children under 5 years old, adults over 65, and individuals with compromised immune systems are more likely to experience severe illness requiring hospitalization. In rare cases, salmonella infections can lead to bloodstream infections or other serious complications that may require immediate medical attention, according to NBC News.

Consumer Safety Recommendations

Health officials strongly advise consumers to check their refrigerators for recalled eggs and dispose of them immediately or return them to the purchase location. Consumers who stored eggs without original packaging and cannot verify their source should discard them as a precautionary measure.

Thorough cleaning and sanitization of surfaces, utensils, and containers that may have contacted recalled eggs is essential to prevent cross-contamination. Hot, soapy water or dishwasher cleaning is recommended for all potentially affected items. Anyone experiencing severe salmonella symptoms should contact their healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and treatment.

Part of Broader Food Safety Concerns

This salmonella outbreak represents the latest in a series of foodborne illness incidents affecting the United States in 2025. A concurrent tomato recall in three southern states was upgraded to a Class I recall, the FDA’s most severe warning, due to potential salmonella contamination initially announced in May.

Additionally, nearly four dozen people across 18 states have fallen ill from salmonella food poisoning linked to recalled cucumbers, with at least 16 hospitalizations reported. These concurrent outbreaks highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety throughout the national supply chain, according to CBS News.

The CDC notes that the actual number of affected individuals is likely higher than reported, as many people recover without seeking medical attention or testing. The investigation continues as health officials work to ensure all contaminated products are removed from commerce and prevent additional illnesses.

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