Prime Highlights
- The August Egg Company recalled over 20 million eggs in a few U.S. states because of a salmonella outbreak of Enteritidis.
- A minimum of 79 individuals have been infected and 21 hospitalized; there were no deaths reported to date.
Key Facts
- The recalled eggs contain plant codes P-6562 or CA5330, Julian dates 32–126, and “Sell-By” dates between March 4 and June 19, 2025.
- Eggs were sold in major grocery store chains across a minimum of nine states.
- The outbreak has been linked to contamination of the Hilmar, California facility of August Egg Company.
Key Background
In a significant food safety epidemic, California-based August Egg Company has initiated a recall of nearly 20.4 million eggs due to Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. The recall includes organic and cage-free brown eggs distributed to several states through prominent retail chains. This is a move made following public health investigations which identified 79 cases of confirmed infection in seven states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, New Jersey, Kentucky, and Nebraska. 21 of the patients were admitted to hospital but no fatalities have been reported yet.
Eggs processed on or after February 3, 2025, through May 15, 2025, with plant codes P-6562 or CA5330, Julian dates 32 through 126, and a corresponding Sell-By date to determine distribution. The eggs were sold in fiber and plastic cartons by several sizes, including dozens and 18-counts. The eggs had been held at retail by stores such as Walmart, Safeway, Ralphs, FoodMaxx, Raley’s, and other retailers.
The symptoms of infection with salmonella are typically fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Infection can take anywhere from 6 hours to 6 days after ingestion of contaminated food. The persons at greatest risk of being severely ill are young children, older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
The CDC and FDA studies confirmed a direct linkage between the outbreak strain and environmental samples collected from the facility of the August Egg Company. Whole-genome sequencing established that bacteria found in sick patients were the same as those collected at the plant, confirming the origin.
As a response, the company discontinued the sale of fresh eggs and is recalling batches that were contaminated for pasteurization. Consumers are urged by authorities to check cartons for indicated plant codes and dates. Eggs that meet the recall requirements must be discarded or returned for refund. Consumers are also advised to clean surfaces that were in contact with the recalled eggs with hot water, soap, or a dishwasher.
This event highlights existing food safety problems in egg production and the need for prompt regulatory action.
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