A Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs has sickened at least 95 people across 14 US states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The illnesses, reported between January and July 2025, are mostly concentrated in California, which accounts for 73 confirmed cases. Health authorities are now urging consumers to check their egg cartons after Country Eggs LLC issued a recall of its cage-free “sunshine yolk” and “omega-3 golden yolk” eggs due to contamination risks. With 18 hospitalisations reported so far, the incident highlights the continued threat of foodborne illnesses in the US, where Salmonella remains one of the most common bacterial infections linked to contaminated food, especially eggs and poultry.
Salmonella alert: Eggs recalled across multiple stores after outbreak
On Wednesday, Country Eggs LLC, a California-based producer, issued a recall of its large brown cage-free sunshine yolk and omega-3 golden yolk eggs. The recall also extends to products sold under other brand names, including:
- Nagatoshi Produce
- Misuho
- Nijiya Markets
Additionally, food service distributors received the same recalled products under the labels “sunshine yolks” and “omega-3 golden yolks.”The eggs were distributed to retailers and food service outlets in California and Nevada between June 16 and July 9, 2025. All recalled cartons carry the code “CA-7695” and have sell-by dates ranging from July 1 to September 16, 2025.
Where are Salmonella cases being reported
The outbreak is most severe in California, with 73 confirmed cases. However, the CDC has also recorded infections in 13 other states, including:
- Arizona
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Washington
So far, 18 patients required hospitalization, but no deaths have been reported. Health experts note that the number of actual cases is likely higher, as many people with mild infections do not seek medical care or testing.
What consumers should do right now
Health officials urge consumers to take immediate precautions:
- Check your egg cartons for the code “CA-7695” and sell-by dates from July 1 to September 16, 2025.
- Do not consume the recalled eggs—dispose of them safely or return them to the store.
- Sanitise refrigerators, countertops, and utensils that may have come into contact with the eggs.
Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms, especially if diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever and dehydration.
Salmonella outbreak highlights ongoing food safety challenges in the US
With over 1 million Salmonella infections annually, the outbreak underscores the ongoing vulnerabilities in America’s food supply chain. Eggs, poultry, and fresh produce remain high-risk carriers of contamination. Experts emphasize three key steps to minimise risks:Safe food handling (wash hands, separate raw foods, cook thoroughly)Proper refrigeration and storage to prevent bacterial growthStaying updated on recalls and alerts from the CDC and FDAThis latest Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs serves as a reminder that strong monitoring systems and consumer awareness remain essential to preventing widespread illness.
How dangerous is Salmonella
Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the United States. According to the CDC, the bacteria cause an estimated 1.35 million infections annually, but only a fraction—around 1 in 30 cases—is formally diagnosed. Many people recover without medical care, meaning the official count underrepresents the true scale.Common symptoms of Salmonella infectionSymptoms usually develop 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and may include:
- Diarrhea (sometimes severe)
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
Most people recover within 4 to 7 days, but severe cases may lead to hospitalization due to dehydration or systemic infection.
Who is most at risk in the Salmonella Egg recall and why monitoring matters
While healthy adults often recover without complications, some groups face greater risks:
- Children under 5 years old
- Older adults (65+)
- People with weakened immune systems
For these individuals, Salmonella infection can lead to serious complications such as bloodstream infections, prolonged dehydration, or organ damage, requiring urgent medical attention.The CDC’s investigation shows that illnesses peaked between mid-June and mid-July 2025, though some date back to January 2025. Because lab confirmation can take 3–4 weeks, more recent cases may still be under review, meaning the outbreak’s reach could expand further in the coming weeks.This outbreak also comes during a period of reduced surveillance efforts. Earlier this year, the CDC scaled back its federal-state partnership for foodborne illness monitoring, focusing only on Salmonella and certain E. coli strains. While these bacteria are major threats, experts warn that reduced oversight could delay outbreak detection and response in future food safety crises.Also Read | Meet the top 10 longest-lived people in the world and see how they lived over 100 years