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A Salmonella outbreak linked to an egg recall has already affected nearly 100 people across the United States. Officials linked the illnesses to eggs from Country Eggs, LLC. The recalled eggs were sold under a few different brand names and shipped to multiple states. No deaths have been recorded so far, but many people have ended up in hospitals. Meanwhile, investigators are still piecing it together.

Scope of the Outbreak

By August 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention counted 95 infections. The first cases were recorded in January, and the last reported cases appeared in late July. Therefore, the outbreak stretched for months before anyone connected the dots. Eighteen people were hospitalized for treatment, which shows how bad egg contamination can affect some people.

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The CDC said Thursday that a salmonella outbreak involving recalled eggs has poisoned nearly 100 people across the country. The cases appeared in more than a dozen states starting in January; 18 people had to be hospitalized, and the CDC says the actual number of those infected is likely much higher than reported. The FDA says Country Eggs LLC of Lucerne Valley, California, was a common supplier in areas where people got sick. The company has suspended production of its brown cage-free Sunshine Yolks or omega-3 Golden Yolk eggs. #pbsnews #newshour #pbsnewshour #salmonella #eggs #cdc #health #outbreak

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States Impacted By The Egg Recall

According to the CDC, cases have spread across 13 states. California carried the heavy load with 73 recorded cases, making it the main center. In addition, smaller numbers appeared elsewhere:

  • Washington: 3
  • Nevada: 3
  • Minnesota: 4
  • North Carolina: 2
  • New York: 2
  • Arizona: 1
  • Hawaii: 1
  • Nebraska: 1
  • Iowa: 1
  • Georgia: 1
  • Florida: 1
  • Pennsylvania: 1

Overall, California’s numbers were much higher, most likely because the plant is located in the state and most shipping stayed local.

How Investigators Connected The Dots

Here’s where it gets interesting. Investigators asked the reported sick people what they had eaten in the week before. Out of 36 people interviewed, 33 said eggs. That’s 92 percent. Normally, not that many would all report eggs at once. As a result, that raised eyebrows right away. On top of that, smaller illness clusters popped up at four restaurants. However, no names were released. Then the lab tests confirmed it. The bacteria from patient samples matched closely, confirming that eggs were the culprit. An egg recall was issued immediately.

A Quick Look at Salmonella

So what is Salmonella anyway? It’s a bacterium that causes food poisoning. Most times it shows up with diarrhea, fever, cramps, and sometimes vomiting. People usually feel it a day or two after eating the bad food, but it can take almost a week. Most recover in about 7 days. However, kids, seniors, and anyone with weaker immune systems can get much sicker. In rare cases, bacteria travel into the blood. That’s when it becomes dangerous. This outbreak reminds us how sneaky and fast Salmonella spreads.

Source of Contamination

Country Eggs, LLC in Lucerne Valley, California, ended up in the spotlight of the egg contamination. On August 27, they recalled big brown cage-free Sunshine Yolks. In addition, they were also sold as Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho, and Nijiya Markets. All cartons had plant number CA 7695 with sell-by dates from July 1 through September 16, 2025. The tainted eggs mainly hit California and Nevada, but some ended up on restaurant plates across other states. Therefore, the reach of the recall is bigger than just local shelves.

What Consumers Should Do

If you bought eggs lately, check the code. If the plant number is CA 7695 and dates are between July 1 and September 16, toss them or return them to where you bought them. In addition, clean up your fridge and any bowls or pans that the eggs touched. Soap, hot water, or dishwasher all work. If you already ate them and haven’t been feeling well, go see your doctor. Frequent checks on the CDC website can help keep consumers informed. Paying attention to details here can keep you and your family safe.

Woman throwing empty egg box into trash bin in kitchen
Credit: Shutterstock

Why Outbreaks Keep Happening

Egg recalls occur somewhat frequently. Eggs are the perfect carriers for Salmonella. Chickens sometimes carry the bacteria, which can slip into eggs before they are laid. If the farm or packing process slips on sanitation, those bacteria can stay. Once the eggs get boxed, they are quickly transported to other areas and states. Consequently, outbreaks like this can pop up frequently. It only takes one bad batch for an egg recall to spread nationwide.

Lessons on Food Safety

Producers need to keep their processes and factories highly sanitary. Retailers need to move quickly when it’s called to pull bad stock off the shelves. Meanwhile, consumers have their role too. Make sure to cook eggs all the way. Keep them in the fridge, don’t let them sit out. Skip eating raw cookie dough if the eggs aren’t pasteurized. And when officials issue an egg recall, don’t take chances. Toss them. Overall, every recall teaches something new about how to respond faster.

Conclusion

Consumers should throw away or return any recalled eggs, sanitize surfaces, and call a doctor if symptoms show up. This incident reminds us that safe food handling and quick action are key. Recalls and outbreaks happen, but fast response, clear warnings, and careful cooking can stop them from becoming worse.

For the latest updates on this outbreak, you can check the CDC Website.

Read More: Butter Recall Hits Over 64,000 Pounds Across the Country