Egg recall expands to 9 states after Salmonella outbreak leaves dozens ill, officials urge caution

Economic Times

3 hours ago

Egg recall expands to 9 U.S. states after a Salmonella outbreak sickened at least 79 people and sent 21 to hospitals. Eggs from August Egg Company, sold at major stores like Walmart and Safeway, may be contaminated. With summer recipes using eggs more frequently, officials are urging everyone to check cartons for specific plant codes and dates. This egg recall story matters—it's about food safety, your family's health, and avoiding a serious infection. Want to know which brands are involved and what you need to do?
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What eggs are being recalled, and how can you check if yours are part of the Salmonella outbreak?
Clover
First Street
Nulaid
O Organics
Marketside
Raley's
Simple Truth
Sun Harvest
Sunnyside
Egg recall expands to 9 states after Salmonella outbreak leaves dozens ill, officials urge caution - check map(Case Count Map Provided by CDC)
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How did the Salmonella outbreak start and what's being done?
What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection and who is at risk?
Diarrhea
Fever
Stomach cramps
Why is this egg recall coming at such a sensitive time?
What should you do right now?
Check your eggs: Look for the plant codes P-6562 or CA-5330 and Julian dates 032 to 126.
Throw them out or return them: Don't take any risks.
Clean your kitchen: Sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come in contact with the recalled eggs.
Wash your hands thoroughly: Especially after handling raw eggs.
Stay updated: Visit FDA.gov or CDC.gov for the latest news.
: A serious Salmonella outbreak has led to an urgent egg recall across 9 U.S. states, with health officials warning people to stop using specific cartons of eggs that may be contaminated. As of June 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 79 people have fallen ill, and 21 have been hospitalized due to Salmonella Enteritidis infections. The eggs under recall were sold under various brand names, and were distributed by the August Egg Company based in Hilmar, California. No deaths have been reported yet, but the risk is high, especially for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.According to the FDA, the affected eggs were sold in several popular supermarkets including Walmart, Raley's, Safeway, FoodMaxx, and Smart & Final. This is not a small recall—it's already affecting consumers in Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming.If you have a carton of eggs in your fridge, check the side of the package for the plant codes P-6562 or CA-5330. Also look for Julian dates between 032 and 126 and sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 4, 2025. These are clear signs that the eggs may be part of the ongoing recall. The FDA confirmed that the Salmonella found in these eggs matches the genetic strain of the bacteria found in the sick patients, after lab testing was done using Whole Genome Sequencing.The eggs were packaged in fiber or clear plastic cartons, so shoppers are advised to check both types of packaging.The CDC and FDA say the outbreak was linked to eggs produced by the August Egg Company in California. The company is now fully cooperating with the investigation and has already pulled all impacted products from grocery store shelves. Instead of being sold, the remaining eggs are being diverted to a breaking facility, where they'll be pasteurized to kill any bacteria.So far, illnesses have been reported in seven states: California, Arizona, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, and Washington. The reported cases began between February 24 and May 17, according to CDC tracking. Out of 30 sick individuals who were interviewed, 27 said they had consumed eggs or food made with eggs.Health officials urge everyone to double-check their egg cartons, and if they match the recall codes, either throw them out or return them to the store. It's also important to clean any surfaces or utensils the eggs may have touched to avoid spreading bacteria.Salmonella is no joke. It can cause a lot of discomfort and even lead to hospitalization. Common symptoms include:Symptoms usually begin between 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Most people recover within a few days, but in some cases, especially in young kids, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems, the infection can become severe.If you've eaten any of the recalled eggs and feel sick, it's best to call your doctor right away. Even if your symptoms are mild, it's still smart to get checked out—especially with this confirmed outbreak spreading in multiple states.This recall comes while the U.S. egg industry is already under pressure. Back in March, the Department of Justice started investigating major egg producers for possibly inflating prices during times of supply shortages. According to The Guardian, egg prices had surged earlier in the year, but dropped by 12.7% in April—the biggest single-month drop since 1984.Now, the Salmonella outbreak adds another layer of concern for shoppers and the food industry. With summer approaching, egg-heavy meals like potato salad, deviled eggs, and baked goods are common—so public health officials want people to be extra cautious during this time.