What Went Wrong? Major Egg Recall Sparks Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak

A widespread Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak has prompted the recall of approximately 1.7 million dozen brown cage-free and certified organic eggs produced by August Egg Company of Hilmar, California. The recall affects multiple brands, including Clover, O Organics, Marketside, and Raley’s, distributed between February 3 and May 15, 2025, with sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19, 2025. The affected eggs were sold in retail locations across California, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Indiana, Illinois, and Washington.

As of June 6, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 79 confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to the recalled eggs, with 21 individuals hospitalized. The illnesses began between February 24 and May 17, 2025. Investigations revealed that 90% of the interviewed patients consumed eggs or egg-containing dishes before becoming ill. Whole genome sequencing of bacterial samples from both patients and egg samples showed a genetic match, confirming the eggs as the source of the outbreak.

In response to the outbreak, August Egg Company has ceased the sale of fresh shell eggs and redirected all egg production to an egg-breaking facility for pasteurization to eliminate potential pathogens. The company is also conducting an internal review to enhance food safety measures and prevent future incidents.

Health officials advise consumers to check their egg cartons for plant codes P-6562 or CA5330 and Julian dates between 032 and 126. If the eggs match these identifiers, they should be discarded immediately or returned to the point of purchase for a full refund. Additionally, any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination.

Salmonella infections can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically starting six hours to six days after exposure. While most individuals recover without treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

For more information and updates on the recall, visit the FDA and CDC websites.