A salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated eggs from Country Eggs LLC in Lucerne Valley, California, has sickened at least 95 people across 14 U.S. states since January 2025, with 18 hospitalizations, according to federal health officials. The company suspended production and recalled large, cage-free brown eggs sold under brands like Nagatoshi Produce, Mishuo, and Nijiya Markets, with sell-by dates from July 1 to September 16. The contamination was traced by the FDA, which identified the supplier after investigating illness reports. Consumers are urged to check for the CA 7695 code on cartons and discard or return the products. The outbreak, with cases reported between January 7 and July 25, may have affected more people, officials warn.
The alert was issued after reports of symptoms including diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps, which can be severe in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Swift action by the company and authorities aims to curb the spread of the bacteria.
Key details of the outbreak include:
- Source: Cage-free brown eggs from Country Eggs LLC, produced in Lucerne Valley, California.
- Affected brands: Nagatoshi Produce, Mishuo, and Nijiya Markets.
- Identification code: CA 7695, with sell-by dates from July 1 to September 16.
- Recommendations: Discard eggs or return them to the point of sale.
Origin and tracing of the outbreak
The FDA identified Country Eggs LLC as the source of the outbreak through a detailed investigation analyzing where infected individuals purchased or consumed eggs. Cases emerged in January 2025, with reports continuing until July, totaling 95 confirmed infections. Most cases, 73, occurred in California, but illnesses were reported in states like Washington, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania. The FDA noted that the actual number of cases may be higher, as many go unreported.
The company halted production immediately upon identifying the contamination risk. The eggs were distributed to grocery stores and food service providers in California and Nevada, with potential reach to other states. Environmental samples from the company’s facilities tested positive for the same Salmonella Enteritidis strain responsible for the outbreak, confirmed through genomic sequencing.
Containment measures and recall
Country Eggs LLC promptly announced a voluntary recall of the affected eggs, covering all cartons with the CA 7695 code, including those sold under Nagatoshi Produce, Mishuo, and Nijiya Markets. Health authorities recommend that consumers:
- Check codes and sell-by dates on egg cartons.
- Dispose of eggs in secure containers to prevent cross-contamination.
- Clean surfaces and utensils that came into contact with the products.
- Return eggs to the point of sale for a refund, if applicable.
- Seek medical attention for severe symptoms like high fever or dehydration.
The eggs have been removed from the market, but the FDA warns that some consumers may still have the products at home, particularly in California and Nevada, where distribution was widespread. The production suspension aims to prevent new cases while the company reviews its food safety protocols.
Impact on consumers and symptoms
Salmonella symptoms typically appear within 6 hours to 6 days after consuming contaminated food. Most people recover within a week without treatment, but severe cases may require hospitalization. In this outbreak, 18 people were hospitalized, with no deaths reported so far. Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
Reports indicate that the eggs were consumed in various forms, including home-cooked meals and dishes at commercial establishments. The FDA advises consumers in affected areas, especially California and Nevada, to discard eggs of uncertain origin if they cannot confirm whether they are part of the recall.
Prevention and safety recommendations
Preventing salmonella infections goes beyond discarding contaminated products. Public health experts suggest simple practices to reduce risks:
- Store eggs in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
- Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot water and soap after handling raw eggs.
- Cook eggs thoroughly, avoiding raw or undercooked yolks.
- Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw eggs separate from other foods.
- Opt for pasteurized eggs when available for added safety.
Restaurants and food distributors have been instructed to stop using the affected eggs and sanitize equipment that may have come into contact with them. These measures are critical to halting the spread of the bacteria in supply chains.
Context of salmonella outbreaks
Salmonella outbreaks linked to food are not uncommon in the U.S., where the bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections annually, according to the CDC. Eggs are among the foods most associated with these cases due to potential contamination at farms or during processing. This outbreak underscores the need for stringent controls in food production and distribution.
Recently, other foods like tomatoes and cucumbers have also been linked to salmonella outbreaks, highlighting the need for constant vigilance in the food industry. Reductions in the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), which monitors foodborne illnesses, have raised concerns among experts about potential delays in identifying outbreaks.
Industry actions and lessons learned
Country Eggs LLC stated it is reviewing its food safety protocols to prevent future incidents. Upon identifying the issue, the company redirected all eggs to a pasteurization facility, which eliminates the bacteria through heat treatment. While this measure came late, it reflects efforts to mitigate damage.
The egg industry faces additional challenges, such as rising prices due to avian influenza affecting U.S. flocks. Market concentration, according to experts, can facilitate contamination spread, requiring greater regulatory oversight.
Consumer alert
Health authorities urge consumers to stay vigilant, especially in regions where the eggs were distributed. In addition to checking carton codes, safe food handling practices are critical. The CDC recommends:
- Refrigerate eggs immediately after purchase.
- Discard cracked or dirty eggs.
- Avoid consuming dishes with raw eggs from uncertified establishments.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms persist for more than a few days.
Collaboration between consumers, companies, and authorities is essential to prevent similar outbreaks. The swift response from Country Eggs LLC and the FDA was crucial in limiting the outbreak’s scope, but ongoing vigilance is necessary to ensure food safety.
