Salmonella Scare from Recalled Eggs Affects Nearly 80 People

Warning label on a carton of recalled cage-free eggs amid salmonella concerns

News Summary

A salmonella outbreak linked to a recall of 1.7 million dozen eggs from August Egg Company has affected 79 people across seven states, primarily in the West. The recall, initiated by the FDA, involves brown organic and cage-free eggs distributed from February to May. California reports the highest cases, prompting health officials to urge consumers to check their purchases. Symptoms of salmonella can be severe, particularly for vulnerable populations. Affected eggs were sold in major grocery chains, and consumers should dispose of or return any recalled eggs to ensure safety.

Salmonella Scare from Recalled Eggs Affects Nearly 80 People Across Multiple States

There’s been a salmonella outbreak that has left at least 79 individuals feeling under the weather across seven states, with the lion’s share of those cases popping up in the West. Health departments are scrambling to contain this situation linked to a recall of 1.7 million dozen eggs, specifically brown organic and cage-free varieties, distributed by August Egg Company based in California.

The story starts with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepping in after concerns arose regarding possible contamination. They announced the recall on a Friday. Consumers should know that these eggs were shipped to grocery stores from February 3 to May 15 of this year, so if you’ve recently purchased eggs during this timeframe, it’s time to check your fridge!

Where are the Cases?

California tops the list with a whopping 63 reported cases. Other states with documented illnesses include Nevada and Washington, each reporting four cases. On top of that, the list expands to Arizona, Kentucky, Nebraska, and New Jersey, each adding even more concern to the affected regions.

What Eggs Are Affected?

The recalled eggs were conveniently available at well-known grocery chains such as Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Raley’s, Ralphs, Safeway, and even Walmart. If you’ve purchased any eggs with sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 4, 2025 (for retail locations mainly in California and Nevada) or March 4 to June 19, 2025 for Walmart stores, you should be on high alert.

Health Stats to Note

Unfortunately, 21 of the reported illnesses have led to hospitalizations, which is certainly alarming. However, there have been no reported deaths from this outbreak yet. For many, salmonella isn’t just a buzzword—it can cause significant discomfort, with symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain lasting anywhere from four to seven days. It’s especially concerning for certain populations like children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems who may experience more severe symptoms requiring a trip to the doctor.

Take Action—What You Need to Do

If you find any of the recalled eggs in your kitchen, the recommendations are clear. Consumers are strongly urged to avoid eating these eggs and instead either dispose of them or return them to the purchase location for a refund. Additionally, it’s a great idea to wash any surfaces, utensils, or containers that might have come into contact with the recalled eggs using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Company Response and What’s Next

In light of the contamination, August Egg Company is taking steps to address the situation. They’ve started diverting their eggs to a specialized facility where the eggs undergo pasteurization, helping to eliminate harmful pathogens. They’re also conducting a thorough internal review to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.

Salmonella Statistics

To give you a broader picture, salmonella is responsible for roughly 1.35 million illnesses every year in the United States alone. This outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and vigilance when it comes to the products we use in our homes.

Stay informed, keep your kitchen safe, and always check your eggs! This is a good time for everyone to review their food safety practices and ensure they know where their groceries are coming from.