A California farm has initiated a recall of certain egg products following concerns over potential salmonella contamination. Vega Farms Inc., located in Dixon, is recalling 12-count cartons and 30-count flats of eggs that were distributed in the Sacramento and Davis regions. This announcement was made by the California Department of Public Health on Friday.
The recall affects eggs with sell-by dates of December 22 or earlier, or Julian dates of 328 or earlier, identified by the handler code 2136. The affected products were also distributed to local restaurants and farmers’ markets.
Approximately 1,515 dozen eggs are included in the recall, as confirmed by a spokesperson from Vega Farms. The farm indicated that the source of contamination stemmed from its processing equipment but clarified that its flocks were not affected. Notably, this marks the first recall of this nature for the family-run farm in 40 years.
Consumers who purchased the recalled eggs are advised to either dispose of them or return them for a refund. Salmonella is a bacterial infection typically linked to the consumption of undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized milk. Symptoms may arise within eight to 72 hours after exposure, manifesting as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. In severe instances, the infection can spread and pose serious health risks.
This incident at Vega Farms follows a series of salmonella-related recalls in recent months. In October, Black Sheep Egg Company recalled cartons of free-range large Grade A brown eggs due to similar concerns, and in June, nearly 2 million egg cartons were recalled nationwide linked to another salmonella outbreak that resulted in 79 illnesses.
The response from Vega Farms and ongoing vigilance in monitoring the food supply are crucial steps in ensuring consumer safety. As this situation unfolds, continued education about the risks of foodborne illnesses and safe food handling practices remains essential for public health.