A salmonella outbreak connected to a California egg distributor has resulted in at least 79 illnesses, with 21 individuals requiring hospitalization, according to health officials. The outbreak has been tied to organic and cage-free brown eggs from August Egg Company, which has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to urge consumers to discard or return affected eggs.
The CDC’s report indicated that the true number of infected individuals may be significantly higher than reported, as many people recover from salmonella infections without seeking medical attention or undergoing testing. To address the contamination risk, August Egg Company has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 1.7 million dozen eggs. The company stated that upon discovering potential salmonella contamination, it promptly diverted all eggs from its processing plant to a facility that pasteurizes them to eliminate any bacteria.
The recalled eggs, which may carry specific sell-by dates ranging from March 4, 2025, to June 19, 2025, were sold under various brand names, including Clover, First Street, Nulaid, and others. They were distributed across California, Nevada, and several other states, including Washington, Arizona, and Illinois, available at retailers such as Walmart, Safeway, and Raley’s.
Recent CDC findings highlighted two sub-clusters of illnesses linked to locations where these eggs were served. Notably, health officials in San Diego reported 37 probable and confirmed salmonella cases among individuals who dined at a local restaurant.
Salmonella symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, and while most affected recover within a week, the illness can pose serious risks to young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
This serious public health issue underscores the importance of food safety measures and consumer awareness, especially in light of the significant impact such outbreaks can have on vulnerable populations. It serves as a reminder for consumers to stay informed and cautious when it comes to food products they may have in their homes.