Multistate salmonella outbreak tied to recalled brown cage-free and organic eggs; August Egg Company recall affects stores nationwide
Nearly 100 people in as many as 18 states have been sickened in a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled brown cage-free and organic eggs from August Egg Company and Country Eggs, LLC, resulting in more than 18 hospitalizations so far.
Key takeaways
- Scope: About nearly 100 illnesses across up to 18 states with 18–21 hospitalizations; no deaths reported yet. (Hematology Advisor, CIDRAP, AARP, WA Department of Health)
- Products: Recalled brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs — check plant codes and sell-by dates before use.
- Manufacturers: Recalls were issued by August Egg Company and Country Eggs, LLC.
Outbreak details and timeline
State and federal public health agencies are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs sold nationwide. Nearly 100 people have reported illnesses in up to 18 states; hospitalizations number between 18 and 21, with no confirmed deaths to date. Sources and reporting include CIDRAP and Hematology Advisor.
The CDC, FDA and state health departments are using whole-genome sequencing to link clinical cases to egg samples collected in recalls. Officials note the outbreak strain shows resistance to some antibiotics, a concerning finding for clinical treatment and public health surveillance (CIDRAP).
Companies and products named in recalls
August Egg Company (Hilmar, CA) issued a recall after eggs distributed between February and May 2025 were linked to illnesses. Reporting on the size of the recall varies — notices have cited figures from more than 1.7 million eggs to over 20 million eggs in related actions (Hematology Advisor, AARP).
Country Eggs, LLC announced recalls of Large Brown Cage Free products marketed as “Sunshine Yolks” and “Omega-3 Golden Yolks,” sold under brands including Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho and Nijiya Markets (CBS News, CIDRAP).
How to identify recalled eggs
Consumers should inspect cartons carefully. Public health guidance identifies specific plant codes, carton codes and sell-by dates tied to the recalls:
- August Egg Company: All brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs with sell-by dates from March 4, 2025 through June 19, 2025. Look for plant codes P-6562 or CA5330 on the carton (WA Department of Health).
- Country Eggs, LLC: Large Brown Cage Free “Sunshine Yolks” and “Omega-3 Golden Yolks.” Brands include Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho and Nijiya Markets. Look for carton code CA 7695 and sell-by dates July 1 through September 18, 2025 (CBS News, CIDRAP).
Affected states and retail channels
Illnesses have been reported across a broad list of states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, Kentucky, New Jersey and Minnesota, among others — totaling as many as 18 states in some reports (Hematology Advisor, CBS News, AARP, CIDRAP).
Recalled eggs were distributed to major supermarkets and specialty stores; August Egg Company products were sold at retailers including Walmart, Safeway and Raley’s, according to state notices and reporting (AARP, WA Department of Health).
Health risks and what to do if you have recalled eggs
Symptoms: Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps and vomiting, usually appearing 6 to 72 hours after exposure. Most healthy people recover without treatment, but severe illness may require hospitalization. Those at highest risk include young children, older adults, pregnant people and immunocompromised individuals (Hematology Advisor).
If you have eggs that match recalled descriptions:
- Do not eat, serve or sell the eggs (CBS News, CIDRAP).
- Throw them away in a sealed container or return them to the store.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces, containers and utensils that may have contacted the eggs (Hematology Advisor).
- Monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if you become severely ill.
“If you suspect exposure, contact your local health department and seek care if symptoms worsen or do not improve.”
Ongoing investigation and testing
Public health labs used whole-genome sequencing to match bacteria from sick people to samples from recalled eggs and production sites, helping connect cases to specific products and firms. Officials report the outbreak strain shows resistance to some antibiotics, which complicates treatment and is under review by the CDC and state partners (CIDRAP).
The investigation is ongoing and may expand; additional products or farms could be added to recall lists. Consumers should check CDC, FDA and state health department updates for the latest affected-product lists (Hematology Advisor).
Implications for The Inland Empire, California
Economic: Regional grocery chains, small grocers, cafes and restaurants may face product returns, disposal costs and supply disruptions if recalled eggs reached local stores.
Political & social: Local officials and public health agencies may face questions on food-safety oversight. Community programs and households with vulnerable people should check supplies and follow safe-handling guidance.
Cultural relevance: The association of organic, cage-free products with illness may surprise consumers who equate certain labels with safety; farmers’ markets and specialty retailers should be prepared to show sourcing and safety records.
Practical applications for residents
- Check egg cartons at home for the plant codes and sell-by dates listed above (WA Department of Health).
- Restaurants, caterers, daycares and community meal programs: review egg inventory now and set aside suspect products for return or disposal.
- Use separate utensils and surfaces for raw eggs; wash hands and counters with hot, soapy water after contact (Hematology Advisor).
- Follow updates from the CDC, FDA and California Department of Public Health for additions to recall lists (CIDRAP).
Sources and further reading
- Hematology Advisor: Salmonella outbreak triggers egg recall in 9 states
- CBS News (Minnesota): CDC egg recall
- AARP: Egg recall and salmonella outbreak coverage
- CIDRAP: Egg-linked salmonella outbreak sickens nearly 100 in 18 states
- Washington State Department of Health: 2025 salmonella multistate outbreak linked to eggs
For the latest product lists and health guidance, check CDC and FDA pages and contact your local health department if you suspect exposure or illness.
