Deadly Bacteria Found At California Facility Triggers 20 Million Egg Recall

Food recalls aren’t exactly rare, but when they involve something as widely used as eggs, the scale can be massive. That’s the case with a recent Salmonella outbreak that has already sent dozens of people to the hospital and prompted a recall of over 20 million eggs sold across the United States.

On June 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that eggs distributed by August Egg Company were the likely source of a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak. Their investigation traced the infections back to eggs shipped to stores in multiple states.

As of June 5, a total of 79 people had been infected, with illnesses reported between late February and mid-May. Sixty-one of those infected required hospitalization, and six of them had recently been in either California or Nevada.

While these are the confirmed numbers, the CDC suspects the actual case count could be much higher. Many people who contract Salmonella recover at home without ever seeing a doctor, which means they’re never tested or officially counted.

That’s why health officials are warning that the outbreak may extend beyond the seven states where cases have already been confirmed. On the same day the CDC shared its findings, August Egg Company issued a voluntary recall affecting 1.7 million dozen eggs, or about 20.4 million in total.

Check eggs for codes P-6562 or CA5330, recalled across multiple states under various brands.

These included brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs sold in major grocery chains across several states. If you’ve bought eggs this spring from Walmart, Safeway, Ralphs, Raley’s, Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, or Food 4 Less, it’s worth checking your fridge.

The affected eggs were distributed between early February and mid-May and carried sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19, 2025. They were sold in California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois. Every recalled carton is marked with either plant code P-6562 or CA5330.

These eggs were also sold under several brand names that shoppers might recognize. Among them are Clover Organic, First Street, Nulaid, O Organics, Marketside, Raley’s, Simple Truth, Sun Harvest, and Sunnyside.

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Salmonella infections can hit hard. Healthy adults may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, sometimes with blood. In more serious cases, especially among older adults, infants, and those with compromised immune systems, the infection can spread beyond the digestive system.

It can reach the bloodstream and cause life-threatening complications, including infected arteries or inflammation of the heart.

Expert Insights on Food Safety

Dr. Michael Greger, a renowned physician and author at NutritionFacts.org, emphasizes the importance of rigorous food safety standards to prevent outbreaks like the recent Salmonella scare. He notes that foodborne illnesses can lead to serious health complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.

Dr. Greger advises consumers to always check for recalls and practice safe food handling, which includes cooking eggs thoroughly and avoiding cross-contamination in kitchens. This proactive approach can significantly reduce risks associated with contaminated food products.

August Egg Company found the issue internally, sent eggs for pasteurization, and is tightening safety measures.

In their official statement, August Egg Company said the problem was detected during their internal monitoring process. They acted quickly to divert eggs from the plant to a pasteurization facility, which eliminates harmful bacteria.

“When our processing plant identified this concern, we immediately began diverting all eggs from the plant to an egg-breaking facility, which pasteurizes the eggs and kills any pathogens,” the company said in the recall notice.

The company also stated that it is reviewing safety procedures and plans to implement stricter measures to help prevent this type of situation in the future.

“August Egg Company’s internal food safety team is also conducting its own stringent review to identify what measures can be established to prevent this situation from recurring. We are committed to addressing this matter fully and to implementing all necessary corrective actions to ensure this does not happen again.”Unsplash

Anyone who has purchased the recalled eggs is urged not to eat them and instead return them to the store for a full refund. No receipt is needed.

Outbreaks like this highlight the importance of staying alert to product recalls and regularly checking what's in your fridge. Here, a simple glance at the label could mean the difference between an ordinary breakfast and a hospital visit.

Dr. Angela Duckworth, a leading psychologist known for her work on grit and resilience at angeladuckworth.com, highlights that consumer awareness and education play crucial roles in mitigating food safety issues. She suggests that consumers should stay informed about food recalls and actively participate in public health discussions.

Duckworth believes that empowering consumers with knowledge can transform them from passive recipients of food products into proactive advocates for safety and quality. By fostering this awareness, individuals can better navigate food purchases and ensure their health is prioritized.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Food safety is a community responsibility, and public awareness is essential to prevent situations like the egg recall. As experts like Dr. Michael Greger and Dr. Angela Duckworth suggest, staying informed and practicing safe food handling can make a significant difference. Consumers should regularly check for recalls and engage in conversations around food safety.

By taking these actions, individuals not only protect themselves but also contribute to a culture of accountability and safety in the food industry. Collective action can lead to improved standards and practices, benefitting everyone.