Egg Recal Salmonella
A sweeping egg recall is underway after federal health officials traced a multi-state salmonella outbreak to contaminated eggs distributed by The August Egg Company. The recall affects approximately 1.7 million brown eggs sold across nine states, with at least 79 people reported sickened so far.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) jointly announced the recall over the weekend, warning consumers not to eat, serve, or sell the affected eggs. The outbreak has been traced to a single packaging facility operated by The August Egg Company, located in Iowa.
Affected Areas and Products
The recalled eggs were distributed to retailers, wholesalers, and restaurants in the following states:
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Consumers are advised to check their egg cartons for the following identifying markers:
-
“August Eggs” or “August Brown” brand
-
Pack dates between May 5 and May 21
-
Plant number P-2076 and Julian dates 125 through 141
The eggs were primarily sold in cardboard cartons of 12 and 18 eggs.
Growing Number of Infections
The CDC reports that 79 confirmed cases of salmonella enteritidis have been documented so far, with at least 17 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. The true number of cases is likely higher, as many people who fall ill with salmonella are not tested or reported.
Symptoms of salmonella infection typically include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting within six hours to six days of eating contaminated food. While most people recover without treatment, the infection can be serious — even life-threatening — for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Investigation and Company Response
The FDA initiated an on-site investigation at The August Egg Company’s facility after state health departments flagged a cluster of salmonella cases with a shared food source. Preliminary findings indicated unsanitary conditions in egg-washing and packaging areas, including evidence of rodent activity and lapses in temperature control.
In a statement, The August Egg Company said:
“We are working closely with federal and state officials to address the issue and prevent any further impact. Out of an abundance of caution, we have voluntarily recalled all potentially affected eggs and temporarily suspended operations at the facility.”
The company has also set up a customer hotline and is offering refunds for affected products.
What Consumers Should Do
Health officials urge consumers to:
-
Check their refrigerators immediately for eggs matching the recall description.
-
Discard affected eggs or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
-
Wash and disinfect any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the eggs.
-
Consult a healthcare provider if experiencing symptoms consistent with salmonella infection.
The CDC also advises against eating raw or undercooked eggs, especially for vulnerable populations, and emphasizes the importance of handwashing after handling eggs or egg cartons.
Broader Implications
This recall marks one of the largest egg-related salmonella outbreaks in recent years. It reignites concerns about safety practices in large-scale poultry operations and comes amid increased scrutiny of U.S. food safety protocols following several high-profile contamination cases in 2024.
The FDA said it is continuing to monitor the situation and may expand the recall if additional contamination is detected.
Consumers can find updated recall information on the FDA’s website or by calling The August Egg Company’s recall hotline at 1-800-555-EGGS.
