The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall of approximately 1.7 million eggs due to the risk of salmonella contamination. This recall specifically targets “brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs” produced by the August Egg Company.
The recall affects eggs that were distributed to Walmart locations in nine states, which include California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois. The affected eggs were available for sale between February 3 and May 6, and feature sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19.
A list of brands affected by the recall, including Clover, Sunnyside, and Raley’s, has been provided by the FDA. The eggs were packaged in either fiber or plastic cartons, marked with codes P-6562 or CA5330.
As part of an ongoing investigation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked the recalled eggs to 79 reported cases of salmonella across seven states, resulting in 21 hospitalizations. Consumers are urged to either return the recalled eggs for a full refund or dispose of them immediately, and anyone experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, high fever, or dehydration is advised to seek medical attention promptly.
Additionally, the CDC has recommended thoroughly washing any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated eggs. In response to this situation, the August Egg Company has stopped the sale of fresh eggs and has redirected its supply to an egg-breaking plant for processing, a move designed to mitigate the risk of foodborne pathogens.
While the situation is concerning, it also highlights the robust systems in place for food safety and recalls, ensuring that potential health risks are swiftly addressed to protect consumers, especially vulnerable populations.