Federal health officials are investigating a widespread salmonella outbreak connected to eggs produced by the August Egg Company in California. To date, 79 people across multiple states have fallen ill, with 21 requiring hospitalization.
What You Need to Know About the Salmonella Egg Recall
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a strong advisory for consumers to discard or return organic, cage-free brown eggs sold by August Egg Company. These eggs were distributed across several states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming.
Where Were the Affected Eggs Sold?
Affected eggs carry sell-by dates from March 4, 2025, to June 4, 2025 in California and Nevada at retailers such as Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raley’s, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs. Walmart stores in California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois also sold eggs with sell-by dates extending to June 19, 2025.
For a detailed view of impacted regions and stores, consumers should consult the official egg recall map provided by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. This tool helps identify whether your eggs might be part of this recall.
Why Salmonella in Eggs is a Serious Concern
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause severe foodborne illness. According to the CDC, salmonella infections affect approximately 1.35 million people in the U.S. annually, resulting in roughly 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths each year. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, which can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Broader Impact on Egg Prices and Supply
This recall coincides with wider economic and supply challenges in the egg industry. The recent outbreak of avian influenza severely impacted poultry farms, leading to significant price increases in eggs nationwide. In January 2025, the price of a dozen large eggs surged to nearly $5, causing concern among consumers and policymakers.
The Department of Justice has launched an early-stage investigation into whether egg producers have engaged in anti-competitive behavior to inflate prices or restrict supply. For official updates on this investigation, visit the Department of Justice’s website.
Fortunately, recent reports show a positive shift. The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted a 12.7% decrease in egg prices in April 2025, the largest monthly drop since 1984. The USDA confirmed the average price of a dozen large white-shell eggs fell to $3.30 in May 2025. More information is available from the USDA Economic Research Service.
What Consumers Should Do Now
- Check your eggs using the official egg recall map.
- Discard or return any eggs from the August Egg Company with affected sell-by dates.
- Practice safe food handling: Cook eggs thoroughly to reduce the risk of salmonella infection. The CDC recommends cooking eggs until both the yolk and white are firm.
- Stay informed through official channels like the CDC Salmonella updates and USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Conclusion
The salmonella outbreak linked to eggs from the August Egg Company serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety vigilance. With multiple states affected and dozens of illnesses reported, consumers should take immediate steps to verify their eggs and ensure safe consumption. While egg prices are beginning to stabilize, ongoing investigations highlight the complex challenges facing the poultry industry.
Stay updated with official information and always prioritize safety in your kitchen.
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