In a wide-reaching health alert, August Egg Company, based in Hilmar, California, announced the voluntary recall of over 20 million eggs (equivalent to 1.7 million dozen) after a confirmed outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis linked to its products.

The eggs, distributed between February and May 2025, include brown cage-free and brown certified organic categories, with “best by” dates ranging from March 4 to June 19. They were sold under well-known brands such as Clover, Marketside, Raley’s, Sunnyside, and First Street, and available at major retailers like Walmart, Safeway, FoodMaxx, and Smart & Final in at least nine states: California, Arizona, Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Washington, and Wyoming.

The CDC has reported 79 cases, including 21 hospitalizations, with no fatalities to date. According to their investigation, 27 out of 30 interviewed patients reported having consumed eggs or foods containing eggs. Whole Genome Sequencing confirmed that the strain found in the eggs matches that found in those infected.

Why is this recall critical?

Salmonella, a highly contagious bacterium, causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain, posing greater risk to children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. While most people recover within 4–7 days, some require hospitalization.

This incident is reminiscent of the 2018 recall of 200 million eggs due to Salmonella, drawing renewed attention to industry safety protocols.

Consumer Recommendations

The FDA and CDC urge consumers to:

• Avoid consuming eggs with codes P-6562 or CA-5330 and dates between 032 and 126, or any suspicious “sell-by” dates.

• Dispose of or return the eggs to the place of purchase.

• Clean and disinfect any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the eggs.

• Seek medical attention for severe symptoms such as high fever, prolonged diarrhea, intense vomiting, or signs of dehydration.

August Egg Company has halted fresh egg distribution and redirected production to pasteurization facilities to eliminate pathogens.

Broader Impact

This outbreak reignites debate around food safety in the United States. The poultry industry is now facing increased scrutiny, and the eradication of Salmonella has become a regulatory priority. Meanwhile, transparent labeling and traceability remain essential to preventing future outbreaks.

For consumers, the lesson is clear: read packaging carefully, follow official health alerts, and never underestimate the risks. Now more than ever, public health depends on collaboration between government, industry, and the public.