Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Organic Eggs Affects Seven States

In early June 2025, a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections was traced to brown cage-free and certified organic eggs distributed by August Egg Company, based in Hilmar, California. The outbreak has affected 79 individuals across seven states, resulting in 21 hospitalizations. The illnesses occurred between February 24 and May 17, 2025.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified the affected states as Arizona, California, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, and Washington. The recalled eggs were sold under various brand names, including Clover, First Street, Nulaid, O Organics, Marketside, Raleys, Simple Truth, Sun Harvest, and Sunnyside. These products were distributed to retailers such as Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raley's, Food 4 Less, Ralphs, and Walmart in nine states: Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming. The recalled eggs can be identified by plant code numbers P-6562 or CA5330 printed on their cartons.

On June 6, 2025, August Egg Company voluntarily recalled approximately 1.7 million dozen eggs. The company has ceased selling fresh shell eggs and has been diverting eggs to an egg-breaking facility for pasteurization, a process that eliminates potential pathogens. Consumers are advised to check their egg cartons for the specified plant codes and return any recalled products to the place of purchase or dispose of them. Additionally, it is recommended to wash and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs.

Salmonella infection symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically developing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. While most individuals recover without treatment, severe cases can occur, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

This outbreak underscores ongoing challenges in controlling Salmonella contamination in the food supply. Notably, in April 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) withdrew a proposed rule aimed at limiting Salmonella levels in raw poultry, citing the need for further evaluation. This decision has been met with criticism from food safety advocates concerned about consumer health risks.

The FDA and CDC are collaborating with state and local partners to investigate the outbreak. FDA inspections at August Egg Company's processing facility yielded environmental samples positive for Salmonella, matching the outbreak strain. The CDC has issued warnings and guidelines to consumers and businesses to mitigate further spread.

Consumers are urged to remain vigilant by checking egg cartons for the specified plant codes and adhering to safety guidelines to prevent illness.