A major recall of approximately 1.7 million dozen shell eggs has been issued after a salmonella outbreak linked to the eggs has resulted in dozens of hospitalizations.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are urging consumers to be cautious and check if they’ve purchased any of the affected eggs. Here’s everything you need to know about the recall and how to stay safe.
What Happened with the Egg Recall?
The egg recall was prompted by an outbreak of salmonella that has affected 79 people and led to hospitalizations, as reported by the CDC. On June 6, 2023, the recall was issued for brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs distributed by August Egg Company. These eggs were sold under various brand names in several states across the U.S.
How Can I Tell If I Bought the Recalled Eggs?
The recalled eggs were sold under several different brands and have specific codes you can look for to check if you’ve purchased them. Here’s how to identify them:
- Plant Codes: P-6562 or CA5330
- Julian Dates: 32 to 126 (dates range from February 1 to May 6)
- Brands Affected:
- Clover
- First Street
- Nulaid
- O Organics
- Marketside
- Raleys
- Simple Truth
- Sun Harvest
- Sunnyside
Which States and Stores Sold the Recalled Eggs?
The eggs were sold in nine states through several retailers, including major supermarkets and restaurants. Here’s the breakdown:
States Affected:
- California
- Washington
- Nevada
- Arizona
- Wyoming
- New Mexico
- Nebraska
- Indiana
- Illinois
Stores Affected:
- Walmart: Eggs sold in Walmart stores in the listed states between Feb. 3 and May 6, with sell-by dates from March 4 to June 19.
- Other Stores (California and Nevada):
- Save Mart
- FoodMaxx
- Lucky
- Smart & Final
- Safeway
- Raleys
- Food 4 Less
- Ralphs
These eggs were sold between Feb. 3 and May 15, with sell-by dates from March 4 to June 4.
What Should I Do If I Have the Recalled Eggs?
If you have purchased any of the recalled eggs, the CDC advises that you:
- Throw them away or return them to the store where you bought them.
- Clean up by washing any surfaces or items the eggs may have touched with hot, soapy water or using a dishwasher.
If you experience severe symptoms of salmonella infection, the CDC recommends that you seek medical attention immediately. Severe symptoms include:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting so severe that you can’t keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Lack of urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
