A nationwide recall has been issued for eggs after almost 100 people fell ill in a salmonella outbreak, with regulators giving the products their highest food safety warning.
Country Eggs LLC has recalled its large, brown cage-free eggs distributed in California and Nevada after people fell ill in a multistate salmonella outbreak.
The outbreak prompted a Class I recall, the Food and Drug Administration’s highest risk category—signaling a serious health threat from potential contamination.
Why It Matters
Salmonella infections can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, sometimes leading to severe or even fatal illness. In otherwise healthy individuals, symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause more serious complications, such as arterial infections, endocarditis or arthritis.
What To Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 95 cases of illness across 14 states linked to salmonella-contaminated eggs distributed by Country Eggs.
The company’s recall, announced on August 27, follows a surge in infections. Most cases, 73 out of 95, occurred in California. Eighteen people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported, according to the CDC.
The outbreak has been traced to large, brown cage-free “sunshine yolks” and “omega-3 golden yolks” eggs distributed under several brand names: Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho and Nijiya Markets.
All shared the carton code CA 7695 and were marked with sell-by dates from July 1 through September 18. The products were sold to grocery stores and food service distributors in California and Nevada from June 16 to July 9.
The Food and Drug Administration and Country Eggs said production was suspended while investigators traced the source of the contamination. Consumers who purchased the recalled eggs are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them safely.
Consumers, restaurants and retailers are instructed not to eat, sell or serve the recalled eggs. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps—typically beginning six hours to six days after exposure.
The CDC warns that while most healthy individuals recover within a week, children under 5, adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems were at higher risk for serious illness and hospitalization.
“If you have recalled eggs in your home or business, throw them out or return them to the store,” the CDC advised in its alert. “Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled eggs using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.”
What People Are Saying
Country Eggs said in a statement: “Ensuring the safety and quality of the eggs we supply to our customers is our responsibility and our focus each day. We know this is concerning, and supporting you through this process is our priority. We apologize for the disruption this situation creates in your business. We are committed to addressing this matter fully and to implementing all necessary corrective actions to ensure this does not happen again. Your trust in our team and our products is essential to our business, and we will continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves.”
What Happens Next
Federal agencies are urging consumers and businesses to check their supplies, discard or return affected eggs and sanitize any surfaces that may have come in contact with these products.
Anyone experiencing symptoms after eating the recalled eggs should seek medical attention.