Multi-State Salmonella Egg Recall Tied to August Egg Company, Country Eggs; Nearly 100 Sickened Across 18 States
Lucerne, California (High Desert News Online) – A multi-state Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak tied to August Egg Company and Country Eggs, LLC has prompted a widespread recall of brown cage-free and organic eggs sold at major retailers; nearly 100 people across 18 states have been sickened.
- Illnesses: Nearly 100 people sickened; at least 18 hospitalized; no deaths reported so far. Sources: CIDRAP, AARP.
- Pathogen: Salmonella Enteritidis, linked by genetic sequencing to eggs from implicated suppliers (CIDRAP).
- Recalled products: August Egg Company brown cage-free and certified organic eggs (plant codes P-6562 or CA5330; sell-by dates March 4–June 19, 2025) and Country Eggs cartons labeled “Large Brown Cage Free ‘Sunshine Yolks’” and “Omega-3 Golden Yolks” (carton code CA 7695; sell-by dates July 1–Sept. 18, 2025). See state advisories and reporting: Washington State DOH, CBS News.
- Public guidance: Do not eat, serve, or sell recalled eggs; check cartons for plant/carton codes and sell-by dates, discard or return affected products, and clean surfaces that contacted recalled eggs (AARP, CBS News).
What products are included in the recall
Health departments and investigators identified two separate product sets tied to patient illnesses. Below are product details, distribution notes and retailers associated with each supplier.
August Egg Company
- Product: Brown cage-free and certified organic eggs.
- Distributor/location: August Egg Company, Hilmar, California.
- Plant codes: P-6562 or CA5330.
- Sell-by dates: March 4, 2025 through June 19, 2025.
- Known distribution states: Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington and Wyoming; coverage may expand as investigations continue (Washington State DOH).
- Retailers: Sold at major chains such as Walmart, Safeway and Raley’s, among others (AARP).
Country Eggs, LLC
- Product names: “Large Brown Cage Free ‘Sunshine Yolks’” and “Omega-3 Golden Yolks.”
- Carton code: CA 7695.
- Sell-by dates: July 1 through Sept. 18, 2025.
- Distribution: Reported in California and Nevada; cartons have appeared labeled for Asian-market retailers, including Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho, and Nijiya Markets (CBS News).
How investigators linked illnesses to eggs
State and federal health teams used genetic sequencing and patient interviews to trace cases to eggs. The identified strain, Salmonella Enteritidis, matched isolates from egg-related samples, supporting the link between illnesses and the implicated cartons (CIDRAP).
Investigators also documented at least four restaurant clusters where multiple people became ill after consuming dishes containing eggs; these clusters helped connect cases across states and informed recall decisions (AARP).
Scope of illness and who is at risk
Most people who fell ill reported eating eggs before getting sick. Symptoms typically begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
Severe infections can cause bloody diarrhea, high fever (above 102°F) or dehydration. Groups at higher risk include young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems (CBS News).
Public health guidance and what consumers should do now
- Check: Look at egg cartons in your home for plant codes P-6562 or CA5330 and carton code CA 7695, and check sell-by dates. If your carton matches a recalled product, do not eat the eggs (WA DOH).
- Discard or return: Throw recalled eggs in the trash inside a sealed container or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
- Clean surfaces: Wash and disinfect any surfaces, utensils or containers that may have contacted recalled eggs to prevent cross-contamination (Hematology Advisor).
- Seek care: See a doctor or local emergency department for severe symptoms such as high fever, persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration (CBS News).
Where to find the full recall list and updates
Public health agencies recommend checking official recall notices from the FDA and CDC for the most complete and updated lists of recalled products, including UPCs and additional brand names. State health departments are also posting local advisories as trace-forward investigations continue (AARP).
Investigative notes: supply chain and retail implications
Early findings show the recall affects both large retailers and smaller distributors that serve specialty markets, complicating trace-back work and broadening the consumer footprint. Officials continue patient interviews and distribution-record reviews to determine whether other brands or cartons might be affected (CIDRAP, Hematology Advisor).
Implications for the High Desert, California
Economic impact
Grocery stores and restaurants in the High Desert likely carry affected brands through chains such as Walmart and Safeway. Local stores may see returns, refunds and temporary loss of egg sales while consumers avoid eggs or switch brands. Small food businesses—diners, bakeries and caterers—could face supply disruption, replacement costs and sanitization expenses (AARP).
Political consequences
Officials may face pressure to review inspections and oversight of egg producers and distributors operating in California. Clear communication about responsibility and remediation will matter to voters and business owners in the High Desert.
Social effects
Communities with older populations, veterans and families with young children should be especially cautious; school cafeterias, senior centers and long-term care facilities should verify egg sources and follow strict food-safety protocols (CBS News).
Cultural relevance
The High Desert values local food traditions and small-business resilience. Consumers who prefer cage-free or organic eggs may be surprised recalled products included those labels; this underscores that safety problems can cross production methods and marketing claims (CIDRAP).
Practical steps for High Desert residents
- Check egg cartons at home for plant codes P-6562 or CA5330 and carton code CA 7695, and for sell-by dates from March 4 through June 19, 2025 (August Egg) or July 1 through Sept. 18, 2025 (Country Eggs). If matched, discard or return the product (WA DOH).
- If you ate eggs and feel sick, contact your doctor or local health department. For severe symptoms—high fever, bloody diarrhea, persistent vomiting—seek emergency care.
- Food-service operators should inventory egg supplies, remove recalled products, and document cleaning steps to reassure customers and regulators.
Sources and for more information
- CIDRAP, University of Minnesota: Egg-linked Salmonella outbreak sickens nearly 100 across 18 states
- AARP: Egg recall after salmonella outbreak
- CBS News (Minnesota): CDC egg recall Country Eggs, LLC
- Washington State Department of Health: 2025 Salmonella multistate outbreak linked to eggs
- Hematology Advisor: Salmonella outbreak triggers egg recall in multiple states
For the latest local guidance, contact the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health and check national recall pages from the CDC and FDA for updates and the full recall lists.
