The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently investigating a significant multistate Salmonella outbreak associated with at least 1.7 million eggs, as outlined in a news release issued on Saturday. The affected eggs, which include brown cage-free and brown certified organic varieties, were distributed by the August Egg Company from February 3 through May 15 to various retailers across nine states: California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana, and Wyoming, according to the FDA.
In an announcement made on Friday, the Hilmar, California-based August Egg Company initiated a recall of 1.7 million eggs, with sell-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19. These eggs were sold at major retailers including Walmart and Safeway, as well as under various private labels which can be found in the complete list provided by the FDA.
As of now, the Salmonella outbreak has resulted in 79 reported illnesses across several states, including New Jersey, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, and California, as stated by the CDC. Alarmingly, at least 21 individuals have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, although no fatalities have been reported. The CDC warns that the outbreak may extend beyond the states with confirmed cases, suggesting that the actual number of infections could be significantly higher because many individuals recover without seeking medical attention or testing for Salmonella.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can lead to serious health issues when contaminated food or water is consumed, or when individuals come into contact with infected animals or their environments. It is recognized as a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States and globally, resulting in approximately 1.35 million infections annually in the U.S. Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, manifesting between six hours to six days after exposure. Vulnerable populations, such as children under five, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk for severe illness.
The CDC strongly advises anyone who possesses the recalled eggs to either dispose of them or return them to the retailer from which they were purchased. Businesses that might have received the recalled eggs are instructed not to sell or serve these products and to sanitize any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with the affected eggs.
In light of the Salmonella contamination concerns, the August Egg Company has begun transporting its eggs to an egg-breaking facility to undergo pasteurization, a process aimed at eliminating pathogens. The company’s internal food safety team is also conducting a thorough review to implement measures that will help prevent future occurrences of such incidents. In a statement, they expressed their commitment to fully addressing the situation and executing all necessary corrective actions.
This current outbreak is not an isolated incident; the U.S. is also dealing with another Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales. This previous outbreak has resulted in 45 reported illnesses and 16 hospitalizations across 18 states, with the FDA’s investigation still ongoing.
