A significant salmonella outbreak linked to a large egg recall has sickened dozens of people across seven states in the West and Midwest. Federal health officials announced the alarming news on Saturday, urging immediate action from consumers.
The August Egg Company issued a recall of approximately 1.7 million brown organic and brown cage-free eggs distributed to grocery stores between February and May. This recall, prompted by the potential for salmonella contamination, is a Class I recall – the highest level of warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
At least 79 individuals in Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming have contracted a strain of salmonella traced back to these eggs. The severity of the outbreak is underscored by the fact that 21 individuals required hospitalization.
The recalled eggs can be identified by plant code numbers P-6562 or CA5330. The CDC strongly advises consumers to immediately discard any eggs matching this description or return them to the point of purchase. Thorough washing and disinfection of any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs are also crucial steps to prevent further contamination.
August Egg Company has acknowledged the situation and stated that its internal food safety team is conducting a thorough review to prevent future occurrences. They have committed to implementing necessary corrective actions to ensure consumer safety.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning typically include diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration. While most individuals recover within a week, the infection can be particularly severe for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, potentially requiring hospitalization.
This outbreak is not an isolated incident. It follows other recent salmonella outbreaks linked to tomatoes and cucumbers. A tomato recall affecting three southern states was also upgraded to a Class I recall due to salmonella contamination, and a separate outbreak linked to recalled cucumbers has sickened nearly four dozen people across 18 states.
The ongoing outbreaks highlight the importance of food safety practices and the need for consumers to remain vigilant. Regular handwashing, proper food handling, and prompt attention to recall notices are essential in protecting public health.
