1.7M Eggs Recalled Amid Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak: What To Know

A California egg producer is recalling 1.7 million eggs tied to a multi-state outbreak of salmonella, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration said.

The FDA said brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs were distributed by the August Egg Co. were distributed from Feb. 3 to May 15 to retailers in nine states — California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana and Wyoming. The eggs have best-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19.

The eggs were distributed under more than two dozen brand names and distributed to stores that include Walmart and Safeway.

The salmonella outbreak has sickened at least 79 people in New Jersey, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington state and California, according to the CDC. At least 21 people have been hospitalized.

A full list of the affected brands, UPC codes and other information is found on the FDA website.

August Egg Co. is not selling fresh eggs at this time.

“Our firm has voluntarily been diverting eggs to an egg-breaking plant for over 30 days, which pasteurizes the eggs and kills any potential foodborne pathogens,” the company said.

Consumers who may have eggs produced in this plant, as identified by the plant code on one side of the egg carton, should return it to their place of purchase for a full refund. Questions may be directed to the company at 800-710-2554, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

“This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported,” the CDC said. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.”

Salmonella infection is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by contact with people or animals infected with Salmonella. Salmonella can be found in raw or undercooked meats and eggs, raw milk and cheese products, and produce.

According to the CDC, it is “a leading cause of food-borne illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the United States and worldwide.” In the United States, about 1.35 million salmonella infections are reported every year.

Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps that can start anywhere from six hours to six days after consumption of the bacteria, according to the CDC. Children under 5, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

Another salmonella outbreak tied to cucumbers across 15 states has sickened at let 26 people and hospitalized nine.

The cucumbers were grown by Florida-based Bedner Growers and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales and sold to multiple companies and grocery stores for ready-to-eat salads, veggie plates, sushi and other foods. Some of the grocery stores include Kroger and its affiliated grocery stores, Walmart and Harris-Teeter.

Related: Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Cucumbers