On June 6, 2025, the August Egg Company of Hilmar, California, announced a voluntary recall of approximately 1.7 million dozen eggs amid a salmonella outbreak that has sickened dozens across multiple states. The recall specifically targets brown organic and brown cage-free eggs distributed under various brand names, including Clover, First Street, Nulaid, O Organics, Marketside, Raley's, Simple Truth, Sun Harvest, and Sunnyside. These eggs were sold at major grocery chains such as Walmart, Safeway, Ralphs, Save Mart, FoodMaxx, and Raley's, among others.
The recalled eggs were distributed between February 3 and May 15, 2025, with sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19, 2025. The distribution spanned at least nine states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Washington, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Nebraska. Walmart stores in particular received these eggs across Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Washington, and Wyoming during this period.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to these eggs. According to the CDC, 79 confirmed cases of illness have been reported so far, with 21 individuals requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, no deaths have been recorded. The majority of cases—63—are concentrated in California, followed by Nevada and Washington with four cases each. Additional cases have been reported in Arizona, Kentucky, Nebraska, and New Jersey.
Salmonella infections typically manifest within six hours to six days after exposure, causing symptoms such as fever, diarrhea (which can sometimes be bloody), stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. While most healthy individuals recover within four to seven days without treatment, the infection can be severe or even life-threatening for young children under five, seniors over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, salmonella can spread to the bloodstream, leading to more serious complications like arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis.
The FDA advises consumers to check their egg cartons carefully. Recalled eggs bear plant code numbers P-6562 or CA-5330 and have Julian dates between 032 and 126. These codes are printed on the cartons or packaging, which can be fiber or plastic. The FDA and CDC websites provide detailed lists of affected products, including brand names and Universal Product Codes (UPCs), to help consumers identify recalled items.
For instance, brands like Clover Organic Large Brown 12 eggs (UPC 070852010427), First Street Cage Free Large Brown Loose cases, Nulaid Medium and Jumbo Brown Cage Free 12 eggs, O Organics in various sizes, Marketside Organic and Cage Free Brown eggs, Raley's Cage Free and Organic Large Brown eggs, Simple Truth Cage Free eggs, Sun Harvest Organic Cage Free Large Brown eggs, and Sunnyside Cage Free and Organic Large Brown eggs are all included in the recall. Additionally, loose eggs packaged in flats without UPCs are also part of the recall.
The August Egg Company stated that it initiated the recall “out of an abundance of caution” after FDA inspections at its processing facility detected a salmonella strain that closely matched the outbreak strain found in patients. Upon identifying the contamination, the company began diverting all eggs from the affected plant to an egg-breaking facility where the eggs are pasteurized to eliminate harmful bacteria. The company is also conducting an internal review to enhance safety protocols and prevent future incidents.
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled eggs are urged not to consume them. Instead, they should either discard the eggs safely or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The CDC also recommends thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces, utensils, and items that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Individuals experiencing symptoms of salmonella infection—such as high fever above 102 degrees, diarrhea lasting more than three days, bloody diarrhea, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration including dizziness, dry mouth, or lack of urination—should seek medical attention promptly.
This outbreak is part of a broader pattern of salmonella infections in the United States, which the CDC estimates affects approximately 1.35 million people annually. The current investigation continues as federal officials monitor the situation closely and coordinate with retailers to remove potentially contaminated products from shelves.
In addition to the egg recall, a separate salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has also been reported, affecting 45 people and prompting a recall of fresh cucumbers distributed by Bedner Growers Inc. and Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. This highlights ongoing challenges in food safety and the importance of vigilance among consumers and producers alike.
As the August Egg Company and federal agencies work to contain this outbreak, the public is reminded to stay informed through official channels and to exercise caution when handling and consuming eggs and other potentially contaminated foods.
