Nationwide Egg Recall 2025-What You Need to Know About the Salmonella Outbreak
Nationwide Egg Recall 2025-What You Need to Know About the Salmonella Outbreak
Breaking News: Over 1.7 Million Eggs Recalled in Multistate Salmonella Outbreak
As of June 7, 2025, more than 1.7 million brown eggs have been recalled due to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 79 people across seven U.S. states. The outbreak has been linked to eggs distributed by the August Egg Company, based in Hilmar, California.
This alarming recall affects major grocery retailers like Walmart, Safeway, FoodMaxx, Raley’s, and Smart & Final, among others. Here’s everything you need to know to keep yourself and your family safe.
What Is Salmonella and Why Is It Dangerous?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans and animals. It can cause serious foodborne illness, especially when ingested through contaminated food products like raw eggs.
Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning Include:
- Severe diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever over 102°F (39°C)
- Vomiting and nausea
- Bloody stool
- Signs of dehydration
In most healthy adults, symptoms start within 6 hours to 6 days after consumption and may last 4–7 days. However, for young children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals, salmonella can lead to hospitalization or even death.
Details of the Egg Recall: Which Eggs Are Affected?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) jointly issued the recall after investigating several reports of illness tied to specific batches of eggs.
Key Recall Information:
- Distributor: August Egg Company
- Product Types: Brown cage-free and certified organic eggs
- Plant Codes: P-6562 or CA5330
- Sell-by Dates: March 4, 2025 – June 19, 2025
- Retailers Affected: Walmart, Save Mart, Smart & Final, Lucky, FoodMaxx, Raley’s, Safeway, Ralphs, Food 4 Less
- States Affected: California, Arizona, Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Washington, Wyoming.
Outbreak Map: States with Reported Infections
According to the CDC, infections have been confirmed in the following seven states:
- California
- Nevada
- Arizona
- Washington
- Nebraska
- Indiana
- Illinois
So far, 21 individuals have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. However, officials caution that the true number of cases could be higher due to underreporting or misdiagnosis.
What to Do If You Bought These Eggs
If you have purchased brown cage-free or organic eggs recently, here’s what the CDC and FDA recommend:
- Check the Carton: Look for the plant code (P-6562 or CA5330) and sell-by dates within the affected range.
- Dispose or Return: Throw the eggs away or return them to the store where purchased.
- Sanitize Surfaces: Clean and disinfect any surfaces or utensils that came into contact with the eggs using hot, soapy water.
- Monitor for Symptoms: If you or someone in your household experiences symptoms of salmonella, seek medical advice.
✅ For a full list of recalled egg brands, visit the FDA’s official recall notice.
How Did This Happen? August Egg Company Responds
The August Egg Company reported that they have stopped selling fresh shell eggs and are instead diverting their egg stock to a pasteurization facility to kill potential pathogens.
“When our processing plant identified this concern, we immediately began diverting all eggs from the plant to an egg-breaking facility,” the company stated.
In addition, their internal food safety team has launched a comprehensive review of procedures and pledged to implement all corrective actions necessary to prevent future contamination.
How to Protect Yourself from Salmonella at Home
Salmonella isn’t just linked to eggs. It can also spread via contaminated meats, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and even kitchen surfaces. Here are some general food safety tips:
Kitchen Safety Checklist:
- Always wash your hands before and after handling raw eggs or meat
- Clean surfaces with hot, soapy water
- Store eggs in the refrigerator (not the countertop)
- Cook eggs thoroughly until whites and yolks are firm
- Never consume raw dough or batter containing eggs
For additional food safety resources, check the CDC’s Salmonella Prevention Page.
Related Outbreaks You Should Know About
Interestingly, this egg-related salmonella outbreak is not isolated. The U.S. is also dealing with a cucumber-related salmonella recall that has infected dozens more.
Read more on the ongoing cucumber outbreak in the FDA's official investigation update.
How Does Salmonella Spread in the Egg Supply Chain?
Understanding how salmonella ends up in eggs is crucial for preventing future outbreaks. Salmonella can contaminate eggs in two main ways:
1. Inside the Hen (Vertical Transmission)
Bacteria like Salmonella enteritidis can infect a hen’s reproductive tract, contaminating the egg before the shell is formed.
2. Through Unsanitary Conditions (Horizontal Transmission)
Eggs can also become contaminated through contact with feces, dirty equipment, or unclean packaging areas during collection and processing.
Both routes highlight the importance of strict hygiene protocols at every step—from henhouse to grocery shelf. Breakdowns in this process are often at the core of salmonella outbreaks.
Legal & Financial Fallout: Who’s Held Responsible?
The implications of a nationwide food recall go far beyond lost revenue. Distributors, retailers, and manufacturers could face:
Legal Repercussions
- FDA and CDC investigations
- Civil lawsuits from affected consumers
- Regulatory fines for food safety violations
- Potential class-action lawsuits if negligence is proven
Did You Know? In 2010, a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs resulted in over 500 million eggs recalled and led to criminal charges against producers.
Economic Costs
- Loss of public trust in affected brands
- Tens of millions in recall and destruction logistics
- Rebranding or product relabeling costs
- Suspension of contracts from retailers
This is why traceability, transparency, and rapid response are so critical in the food industry.
Timeline of the 2025 Egg Recall Outbreak
Here’s how the events unfolded according to CDC and FDA updates:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb 3 – May 15 | Eggs distributed by August Egg Co. across 9 states |
| May 20 | Initial cases of salmonella infections reported |
| June 6 | FDA and CDC announce 1.7 million egg recall |
| June 7 | 79 cases, 21 hospitalizations confirmed across 7 states |
| Ongoing | CDC and FDA continue investigation, August Egg Co. halts shell egg sales |
Real People, Real Impact: Stories from the Outbreak
While many recover from salmonella without hospitalization, some cases serve as a stark reminder of how severe it can be.
Case Study 1 – California
“I thought I had the flu, but after 3 days of worsening cramps and high fever, I ended up in urgent care,” says Jessica B., a 42-year-old mother from Fresno. She was hospitalized for dehydration and gastrointestinal inflammation.
Case Study 2 – Illinois
“My father, 77, was admitted with sepsis after ignoring symptoms for a week,” shares Paul T. His father is now recovering in a long-term care facility.
These examples reinforce the CDC’s guidance: seek medical attention if symptoms escalate.
Behind the Scenes: How the CDC Traces a Salmonella Outbreak
Tracing a foodborne illness outbreak is no small task. Here’s how the CDC typically responds:
- Early Detection: State health departments report cases of salmonella with matching DNA "fingerprints."
- Epidemiological Investigation: Patients are interviewed about their recent food history.
- Product Testing: Suspect products (like eggs) are lab-tested for salmonella strains.
- Genetic Matching: DNA from patient samples is compared with foodborne bacteria samples.
- Recall Issued: If a link is confirmed, the CDC and FDA trigger an official product recall.
This rigorous system helps pinpoint the source and protect the public swiftly.
Food Handler & Restaurant Responsibility: What Businesses Must Do
If you run a restaurant, café, or food service, you have legal and ethical responsibilities to prevent salmonella exposure.
✅ Action Steps for Businesses:
- Remove recalled eggs immediately from inventory
- Alert kitchen staff and management teams
- Sanitize all prep areas, utensils, and refrigerators
- Switch to pasteurized egg products until further notice
- Report any employee illness to your local health department
Restaurants that fail to follow these procedures risk fines, lawsuits, and even temporary shutdowns under public health codes.
For full CDC guidance, visit: What Businesses Should Do During a Salmonella Recall
Expert Advice: How to Keep Your Family Safe
We asked food safety experts what consumers should do in light of this outbreak:
Dr. Liana Franklin, Epidemiologist at UC Davis, advises:
“Consumers should treat this outbreak seriously. Even trace contamination can lead to severe illness—especially in children or elderly people.”
Pro Tips:
- Avoid runny eggs (undercooked)
- Don’t reuse unclean egg cartons
- Never rinse eggs—this can actually spread bacteria
- Store at or below 40°F (4°C) at all times
- Use eggs within 3 weeks of purchase for best safety
📣 Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
Food safety is something most of us take for granted—until it's too late. This egg recall due to salmonella serves as a powerful reminder to always stay informed, inspect your food, and follow health guidance when recalls happen.
While the August Egg Company has taken steps to mitigate future risk, it’s up to consumers, businesses, and regulators to work together and prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.
Remember: if in doubt, throw it out.