After a dangerous salmonella outbreak sickened dozens of Americans across several states, federal regulators have forced a massive recall of nearly 2 million egg cartons.
The eggs, which were sold at Walmart and other major retailers, represent yet another alarming failure in America’s food supply.
California-based August Egg Company is recalling 1.7 million cartons of brown eggs following a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak that has already sickened 79 people and hospitalized 21.
The affected products include both cage-free and certified organic varieties with sell-by dates extending to June 19, potentially leaving dangerous eggs still sitting in refrigerators across America.
The recall spans nine states, including California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois.
Major retailers involved include Walmart, Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Safeway, Raleys, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs.
The eggs were distributed under multiple brand names, such as Clover, First Street, Nulaid, O Organics, Marketside, Raleys, Simple Truth, Sun Harvest, and Sunnyside.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s investigation revealed salmonella contamination in samples taken from August Egg Company’s processing facility.
California has been hit hardest with 63 cases, while additional illnesses have been reported in Nevada, Washington, Arizona, New Jersey, Nebraska, and Kentucky.
The outbreak has already affected eggs distributed over a four-month period from February through mid-May.
“It is important to know that when our processing plant identified this concern, we immediately began diverting all eggs from the plant to an egg-breaking facility, which pasteurizes the eggs and kills any pathogens,” August Egg Co. stated.
Consumers who purchased the affected eggs should check for plant code numbers P-6562 or CA5330 and Julian Dates from “32” to “126” printed on the cartons.
The company has established a consumer hotline for concerned customers, who should return or dispose of any recalled products immediately.
Health officials warn that salmonella infection can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which can become severe enough to require hospitalization.
In extreme cases, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other body sites.
August Egg Company has pledged to “identify what measures can be established to prevent this situation from recurring,” though this comes too late for the dozens already sickened.
The FDA claims to be “working with the firm to determine if eggs were distributed elsewhere,” raising concerns about the full scope of the contamination.
For families who may have used the contaminated eggs in their homes, health officials recommend thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and items that came into contact with the eggs using hot soapy water or a dishwasher to prevent further spread of the bacteria.
