1.7 Million Dozen Eggs Recalled: Inside the 2025 Salmonella Crisis

A Nationwide Recall Sends Shockwaves Through the Food Supply Chain

A multi-state salmonella outbreak has put the egg industry under the microscope, with over 1.7 million dozen eggs recalled and dozens of people hospitalized. At the heart of the issue is August Eggs, a Hilmar, California-based company now under federal investigation by the CDC and FDA.

As of June 6, at least 79 people across seven states have been infected with Salmonella Enteritidis, a strain known to cause severe gastrointestinal illness. The outbreak has led to 21 hospitalizations, with more cases likely unreported.

Where the Contamination Began

Federal agencies traced the outbreak to eggs distributed by August Eggs under a variety of labels, including both cage-free and organic offerings. The recalled eggs were sold at major retailers such as Walmart, Safeway, FoodMaxx, and Ralphs between February and mid-May.

Consumers are being asked to check for plant codes P-6562 or CA-5330 and Julian dates 032 through 126. Affected cartons carry "sell by" dates from March through late June. Anyone who finds matching codes is urged to discard the eggs immediately or return them for a refund.

How the Investigation Unfolded

Investigators quickly connected the dots after discovering that nearly 90% of sickened individuals had recently consumed eggs. Using whole genome sequencing, the CDC confirmed the outbreak strain in samples collected from the company's facility.

Alarmingly, some isolates of the salmonella strain have shown resistance to common antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, which can complicate treatment—especially for older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.

A Swift Industry Response

In response to the outbreak, August Eggs has voluntarily halted the sale of all fresh shell eggs. The company has also diverted its supply chain to send remaining inventory to a pasteurization facility, where eggs are processed into safer, cooked forms for commercial use.

Additionally, the company is undergoing a full internal audit of its operations and food safety practices. Industry experts are keeping a close eye on the investigation, as this incident could prompt broader changes in how cage-free and organic egg production is regulated moving forward.

What Consumers Need to Know

Health officials recommend the following:

• Do not consume any eggs that match the plant codes or dates involved in the recall.

• Wash and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have touched the contaminated eggs.

• Be aware of salmonella symptoms—including fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting—which typically appear within 6 hours to 6 days of infection.

  
  

Most healthy individuals recover without treatment, but high-risk groups should seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Looking Ahead: Will This Change Industry Standards?

This recall has reignited debate over food safety oversight in the organic and cage-free sectors, where consumer demand continues to climb. While these production styles are often perceived as safer or more humane, the outbreak is a reminder that no label guarantees immunity from contamination.

The egg industry—and agriculture as a whole—now faces a crucial question: How can trust be rebuilt after a public health crisis of this scale?

As investigations continue, so will discussions around regulatory reform, traceability, and transparency from farm to shelf.