### Salmonella Outbreak Linked to California Eggs Sickens 79, Prompts Massive Recall

A salmonella outbreak traced back to a California egg producer, August Egg Company, has affected at least 79 individuals, with 21 hospitalizations reported, according to U.S. health officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised consumers to discard or return organic and cage-free brown eggs from the August Egg Company, which have specific sell-by dates and were distributed across nine states.

The CDC highlighted that the number of infected individuals is likely higher than reported, as many people recover from salmonella without seeking medical help or getting tested. Following the detection of potential salmonella contamination, August Egg Company voluntarily recalled 1.7 million dozen eggs. The company has redirected all eggs from its processing plant to an egg-breaking facility where they are pasteurized to eliminate bacteria.

These recalled eggs were sold under various brand names, including Clover, First Street, Nulaid, O Organics, Marketside, Raleys, Simple Truth, Sun Harvest, and Sunnyside. They were available in California and Nevada stores with sell-by dates from March 4, 2025, to June 4, 2025, and in Walmart locations across seven additional states: Washington, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois, with sell-by dates up to June 19, 2025. Retailers such as Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raley's, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs were also noted as distribution points.

The CDC reported finding two illness "sub-clusters," where groups of individuals fell ill after eating at the same venue or event, such as a restaurant. Specifically, eggs were confirmed as part of the menu at these locations. Last month, San Diego health officials announced 37 probable and confirmed salmonella cases linked to a local restaurant, with the ongoing investigation yet to pinpoint the exact source.

To determine whether they have potentially contaminated eggs, consumers should check the plant code number P-6562 or CA5330 on the packaging, as noted by the FDA. Symptoms of salmonella, which include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically resolve within a week but can be severe in children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.