Widespread egg recall salmonella outbreak tied to California producers sickens nearly 100; consumers in Redding urged to check cartons
A widespread salmonella outbreak linked to large brown cage-free eggs from California producers Country Eggs, LLC and August Egg Company has sickened nearly 100 people across many states, prompting a recall of more than 1.7 million eggs.
Key takeaways
- Nearly 100 illnesses (95 reported) and 18 hospitalizations tied to large brown cage-free and organic eggs from Country Eggs, LLC and August Egg Company.
- More than 1.7 million eggs recalled tied to specific plants and lots; supply-chain tracking suggests the affected total may be larger.
- Antibiotic resistance: the outbreak strain shows resistance to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, complicating severe-case treatment.
- Consumers in Redding and affected states: check cartons now, do not eat or serve recalled eggs, and follow FDA/CDC guidance.
Outbreak overview
Health investigators linked this outbreak to large brown cage-free and some certified organic eggs produced by Country Eggs, LLC (Lucerne Valley, CA) and August Egg Company (Hilmar, CA). Officials report 95 illnesses and 18 hospitalizations; no deaths have been reported to date. Public health labs are using genetic testing to connect patient samples to egg samples and production codes.
“If you have affected eggs, do not eat, sell, or serve them. Return for a refund or dispose of them in a sealed container.”
Full recalled eggs list
Check your cartons now. Officials say do not eat, sell, or serve any of the recalled eggs. If you have affected eggs, return them to the place of purchase for a refund or throw them away in a sealed container. Below are the known recalled products tied to the investigation:
Country Eggs, LLC (Lucerne Valley, CA)
- Brands: Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho, Nijiya Markets, Country Eggs
- Packaging labels: “Large Brown Cage Free ‘Sunshine Yolks'”; “Omega-3 Golden Yolks”
- Carton code: CA 7695
- Sell-by dates: July 1, 2025 through September 18, 2025
- Distribution: Grocery stores and food distributors, especially in California and Nevada
August Egg Company (Hilmar, CA)
- Types: Brown cage-free and certified organic eggs
- Retailers: Walmart, Safeway, Raley’s
- Distribution window: February–May 2025
- States sold: Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Washington, Wyoming
- Note: Some eggs were diverted for pasteurization after concerns were identified.
Scope of the recall and distribution
Estimates vary as the investigation evolves. Early government notices tie more than 1.7 million eggs to a specific plant or production lot, while some supply-chain tracking and distributor reports suggest the number affected could be substantially higher — with some figures cited above 20 million eggs distributed during early 2025. The FDA continues traceback work and may expand the list of affected brands or retailers.
Illness, symptoms and antibiotic resistance
Typical Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting and dehydration in severe cases. Most healthy adults recover without antibiotics, but young children, older adults and immunocompromised people can require hospitalization. The outbreak strain has shown resistance to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, which may limit treatment options for severe infections. Officials advise seeking medical care for severe or worsening symptoms.
Where cases have been reported
Cases span 14 to 18 states, with most illnesses in California. Identified states include Nevada, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Washington and Wyoming. Public health departments are updating state lists as confirmatory lab links to the outbreak strain are completed.
What consumers should do now
- Inspect cartons: Check all egg cartons for brands, carton codes and sell-by dates listed above.
- Do not eat or serve recalled eggs: Return them for a refund or discard them in a sealed container.
- Disinfect surfaces: Thoroughly clean surfaces, containers and utensils that may have touched the eggs to prevent cross-contamination.
- Monitor symptoms: Seek medical care if symptoms are severe, especially for children, seniors or immune-compromised household members.
- Follow official updates: Use FDA and CDC pages for the most current product codes and brand lists before discarding or returning eggs.
Investigative notes on supply chain and oversight
Investigators are tracing the outbreak through farms, packing houses and distribution channels. Genetic testing links patient illnesses to egg samples and production codes. Some eggs were reportedly diverted for pasteurization after concerns were identified — a step that illustrates supply-chain complexity when recalls expand beyond single brands or lots. The FDA’s ongoing investigation may add more product identifiers or retailers as traceback work continues.
Implications for Redding, California
Economic impact
Local grocery stores, independent markets and restaurants that buy regional eggs could face lost inventory, refunds and additional sanitation costs. Redding retailers should check inventory and coordinate returns with suppliers to limit losses as the recall and traceback work progress.
Political and regulatory consequences
Community members may press for clear answers on inspection practices, record-keeping by packers and enforcement timing. The FDA’s public updates will be closely watched by local officials, business owners and consumers demanding traceability.
Public health and social effects
Salmonella outbreaks can strain local health resources when cases cluster. Redding families with young children, seniors or immune-compromised members should exercise extra caution with eggs and egg dishes. Restaurants and schools should review suppliers and food-safety practices to protect vulnerable patrons and avoid service disruptions.
Where to get more information
- FDA outbreak investigation page
- CBS News summary with recall details
- CIDRAP coverage of the outbreak
- AARP consumer guidance
- Hematology Advisor reporting on recall scope
Officials say the recall and investigation are active. Consumers and businesses in Redding should verify eggs against the recalled list and follow FDA and CDC guidance to reduce risk.
