Over 1.7 Million Eggs Recalled Amid Multistate Salmonella Outbreak, CDC and FDA Launch Investigation
CDC and FDA Investigate Salmonella Outbreak Linked to 1.7 Million Recalled Eggs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to the recall of approximately 1.7 million eggs, according to a news release issued Saturday.
The affected eggs—brown cage-free and brown certified organic varieties—were distributed by the August Egg Company between February 3 and May 15. These eggs were sent to retailers in nine states: California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Nebraska, New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana, and Wyoming.
On Friday, August Egg Company, based in Hilmar, California, announced a voluntary recall of the eggs. The recalled products have sell-by dates from March 4 through June 19 and were sold under several brand names at major retailers, including Walmart and Safeway. A full list of affected brands is available via the FDA.
So far, 79 people across New Jersey, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, and California have fallen ill due to the outbreak, according to the CDC. At least 21 individuals have been hospitalized, though no fatalities have been reported at this time.
“The outbreak may not be limited to the states with confirmed cases, and the actual number of infections is likely higher,” the CDC noted. “Many people recover without medical attention and are never tested for Salmonella.”
Salmonella is a common bacterium that can cause illness in humans when contaminated food or water is consumed or through contact with animals and their environments. According to the CDC, Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the U.S., resulting in an estimated 1.35 million infections annually, along with numerous hospitalizations and deaths.
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