Health officials are continuing to investigate a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) working in collaboration with state and local partners. While the outbreak appears to be waning, with the most recent data indicating the outbreak is closed, it’s important for consumers to understand the details and take appropriate precautions.
Initial Outbreak and Recall
The initial outbreak was identified in June 2025, with , marking the date the CDC issued a public alert. At that time, 79 people across seven states – Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington and Wyoming – had reported illnesses with the same strain of Salmonella. Twenty-one individuals required hospitalization, though thankfully, no deaths were reported.
Responding swiftly, August Egg Company issued a recall on , encompassing all varieties of their chicken eggs, including organic, cage-free brown, and omega-3 enriched options. The recall notice provided details on specific brands affected.
Expansion and Resolution of the Outbreak
The outbreak continued to evolve, with the CDC reporting a total of 134 cases across 10 states by . Hospitalizations increased to 38, and tragically, one death was reported. However, by this date, the FDA and CDC declared the outbreak over, and the recalled eggs were no longer available for sale, having passed their expiration dates.
A second recall was issued on , by Country Eggs, LLC, concerning large brown cage-free eggs sold under the “sunshine yolks” or “omega-3 golden yolks” brands.
Understanding Salmonella and Symptoms
Salmonella infection typically manifests with diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms generally begin between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure to the bacteria and usually resolve within 4 to 7 days. Most individuals recover without requiring medical intervention.
However, certain populations are at higher risk of severe illness. These include children under 5 years of age, adults 65 and older, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Severe cases may necessitate hospitalization.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
While the immediate threat from this specific outbreak has subsided, the CDC and FDA emphasize the importance of consistent food safety practices to prevent future Salmonella infections. These include:
- Clean: Thoroughly wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after contact with raw eggs. Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water.
- Separate: Keep raw eggs and foods that won’t be cooked separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure eggs and egg-containing dishes are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F.
Specifically regarding eggs, it is recommended to wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water both before and after handling raw eggs or foods containing them. Careful cleaning and sanitizing of any surfaces that may have come into contact with raw or undercooked eggs is also crucial.
What to Do If You Suspect Infection
If you believe you may have developed symptoms of a Salmonella infection after consuming eggs, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and appropriate care can help manage the illness and prevent complications.
The FDA and CDC continue to monitor foodborne illness outbreaks and provide updates as new information becomes available. Consumers can find additional resources and information on the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/eggs-06-25/index.html) and the FDA website (https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-eggs-june-2025).
