A multistate Salmonella outbreak has sickened at least 79 people across seven states, prompting a major egg recall by a California-based distributor. The August Egg Company issued a voluntary recall of 1.7 million dozen eggs after concerns of possible contamination surfaced. According to a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall affects brown cage-free and certified organic eggs sold under various brand names.
Of those affected, 21 individuals have been hospitalized, though no fatalities have been reported so far. The recalled eggs were distributed to both restaurants and retailers in Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming. Retailers involved include Walmart, Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raley’s, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs.
The FDA has issued a public health advisory urging consumers to check their egg cartons for affected brands and lot numbers. Salmonella Outbreak poses a serious health risk, particularly to young children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems, and symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Company’s Response and Mitigation Measures for Salmonella Outbreak
In a statement released through the FDA, the August Egg Company confirmed that it has temporarily stopped selling fresh shell eggs. For more than a month, the company has been diverting its eggs to a pasteurization facility, a precautionary step aimed at neutralizing any potential foodborne pathogens.
“When our processing plant identified this concern, we immediately began diverting all eggs to an egg-breaking facility,” the company stated. This facility is equipped to pasteurize eggs, a process that kills harmful bacteria like salmonella, thus reducing the risk of infection for consumers.
The company emphasized its commitment to food safety and public health, noting that these steps were taken voluntarily and promptly to minimize any further risk. Although the FDA did not specify exactly how the contamination was discovered, it commended the company’s swift action and ongoing cooperation with federal and local health authorities.
Public Caution and Ongoing Investigation
Health officials are continuing to monitor the outbreak and investigate how the contamination occurred. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA are working together to trace the distribution and supply chain to determine the origin of the infection. Consumers who believe they may have purchased contaminated eggs are urged to discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase.
The Salmonella Outbreak has reignited conversations around food safety standards and monitoring protocols in the egg production industry. Experts caution that even seemingly minor lapses in food handling and sanitation can lead to widespread illness.
Authorities continue to advise consumers to practice proper food hygiene, including thorough cooking of eggs and regular handwashing when handling raw poultry products. Meanwhile, the recall remains in effect as the investigation unfolds.
