FDA and CDC probe salmonella outbreak tied to 1.7 million eggs

A multistate salmonella outbreak linked to 1.7 million eggs from the August Egg Company triggered a nationwide recall on June 6, 2025, after sickening 79 people across seven states. The contaminated organic and cage-free brown eggs, distributed in nine states including California and Nevada, were sold at retailers like Walmart and Safeway. The CDC and FDA are investigating, with 21 hospitalizations reported but no deaths. The Hilmar, California-based company has begun pasteurizing its eggs to eliminate pathogens. Consumers are urged to discard or return eggs with sell-by dates from March 4 to June 19.

The outbreak, affecting states like Arizona and Washington, may be broader, as many cases go unreported. The August Egg Company is reviewing its safety protocols to prevent future incidents.

• Affected states: New Jersey, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, California.
• Distribution period: February 3 to May 15, 2025.
• Involved brands: Multiple, listed on the FDA’s website.

The situation underscores the need for robust food safety measures, with authorities actively monitoring and guiding the public.

Scope of the outbreak

The salmonella outbreak, identified by June 7, 2025, has confirmed 79 cases across seven states, with California reporting the highest number, followed by Nevada and Arizona. The CDC warns that the true number of infections is likely higher, as many individuals recover without medical testing.

Hospitalizations, totaling 21, primarily involve young children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to severe symptoms. No fatalities have been reported, but the outbreak’s severity prompted swift action from health officials.

The FDA traced the contamination to eggs from the August Egg Company, identifying Salmonella Enteritidis through testing. The investigation continues to pinpoint the contamination’s source within the supply chain.

• Confirmed cases: 79 across seven states.
• Hospitalizations: 21, with no deaths.
• At-risk groups: Children under 5, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.

Efforts are ongoing to track additional cases and prevent further spread.

Recall specifics

The recall covers 1.7 million organic and cage-free brown eggs distributed from February 3 to May 15, 2025. These eggs, with sell-by dates from March 4 to June 19, reached nine states: California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana, and Wyoming.

Sold under various brands, listed on the FDA’s website, the eggs were available at major retailers like Walmart and Safeway. Consumers are advised to check lot codes and dispose of or return affected products.

Businesses have been directed to halt sales and sanitize surfaces or equipment exposed to the eggs. The August Egg Company is redirecting its eggs to a pasteurization facility to eliminate health risks.

Understanding salmonella

Salmonella, a bacteria causing roughly 1.35 million infections annually in the US, is a leading source of foodborne illness. Contamination often occurs through tainted food, water, or contact with animals and their environments.

Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure. While most cases resolve without treatment, severe infections can occur in vulnerable populations.

• Primary symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps.
• Duration: Typically 4 to 7 days for mild cases.
• Prevention: Thorough cooking and avoiding cross-contamination.

The current outbreak highlights the risks for children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, who face higher chances of complications.

August Egg Company’s response

Upon learning of the outbreak, the August Egg Company acted swiftly, initiating a recall and redirecting eggs to a pasteurization facility to kill pathogens. The company launched an internal review of its food safety practices, aiming to identify and address the contamination’s cause.

In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to resolving the issue and implementing preventive measures. The review involves examining every stage of production, from poultry farming to packaging.

Health officials have commended the company’s prompt response but are closely monitoring the effectiveness of its corrective actions to ensure consumer safety.

Other recent outbreaks

This egg-related salmonella outbreak follows another incident in May 2025, when the FDA recalled cucumbers from Bedner Growers, distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales. That outbreak sickened 45 people across 18 states, with 16 hospitalizations.

The back-to-back outbreaks raise concerns about food safety in the US, particularly for fresh produce and animal products. The FDA has ramped up inspections at farms and distribution centers to curb further incidents.

These events highlight the need for stricter regulations and improved practices across the food industry, especially in complex supply chains.

Consumer guidance

The CDC and FDA have issued clear instructions for consumers. Those with August Egg Company eggs should check sell-by dates and lot codes, available on the FDA’s website, and discard or return affected products in sealed bags.

• Immediate action: Dispose of or return eggs with sell-by dates from March 4 to June 19.
• Hygiene: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces exposed to the eggs.
• Symptoms to watch: Fever, diarrhea, or abdominal pain post-consumption.
• Extra precautions: Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs.

Restaurants and retailers are advised to stop using recalled eggs and perform thorough cleaning to prevent cross-contamination.

Retailer impact

Major chains like Walmart and Safeway, which sold the eggs, quickly removed affected products from shelves. They are notifying customers through alerts and offering refunds for returns.

The recall has caused logistical challenges, with retailers auditing inventories and tightening quality controls. Consumer trust in organic and cage-free eggs may waver, especially after recent food safety scares.

Retailers are working with the FDA to trace the eggs’ distribution and ensure no contaminated products remain available.

Salmonella in the US

Salmonella remains a persistent food safety issue, causing about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths yearly in the US, per the CDC. Common sources include eggs, poultry, meat, and fresh produce.

Egg-related outbreaks are not uncommon, with a 2018 recall of 206 million eggs linked to 22 salmonella cases serving as a precedent. The FDA has improved tracking and testing technologies, but supply chain complexities pose ongoing challenges.

The current outbreak emphasizes the need for continued vigilance in food production and distribution.

Industry prevention efforts

The August Egg Company’s review is part of broader industry efforts to enhance safety. Techniques like large-scale pasteurization and continuous farm monitoring can reduce contamination risks.

Other poultry producers face pressure to adopt stricter standards, including regular inspections and staff training. Collaboration between producers, distributors, and regulators is critical to minimizing future outbreaks.

The incident underscores the value of advanced pathogen detection technologies, which can protect consumers and limit economic losses.