Egg Recall Linked to Salmonella Contamination: What to Know After 95 Illnesses

Well, this egg recall is definitely not the kind of breakfast surprise anyone ordered. If you’ve been reaching for those brown cage-free eggs lately, you might want to pump the brakes and check your carton first. We’re dealing with another salmonella outbreak that’s got health officials scrambling faster than Sunday morning eggs.

What’s Behind This Egg Recall?

Country Eggs, LLC, based in Lucerne Valley, California, has recalled its large brown cage-free “sunshine yolks” eggs after 95 people across 14 states fell ill with salmonella poisoning. And honestly, when 18 of those folks end up in the hospital, it’s clear this isn’t your garden-variety stomach bug.

The eggs in question were distributed between June 16 and July 9, 2025, making their way to grocery stores and foodservice distributors in California and Nevada. What makes this particularly frustrating is that these eggs were sold under three different brand names – talk about a shell game that nobody wanted to play.

Which Eggs Are Part of This Recall?

Here’s where you need to channel your inner detective and check those cartons sitting in your fridge. The recalled eggs were sold under these brand names:

• Nagatoshi Produce (Code: CA 7695, sell-by dates July 1 through Sept. 16, 2025)
• Misuho (Same code and dates)
• Nijiya Markets (Same code and dates)

The eggs were also packaged as “Country Eggs Large Brown Sunshine Yolks” for foodservice operations. If you spot any of these in your kitchen, don’t even think about making that omelet – toss them immediately or return them for a full refund.

How Serious Is This Salmonella Outbreak?

When nearly 100 people get sick from contaminated food, the egg recall has become serious business. Most of the cases (73 to be exact) have been reported in California, but this outbreak has spread its unwelcome reach across 14 states, from Arizona to Washington.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suspects the actual number of sick people is likely higher because many folks tough it out at home without seeking medical attention. But here’s the thing – salmonella isn’t something to mess around with, especially if you’re pregnant, elderly, have a compromised immune system, or are caring for young children.

Recognizing Salmonella Symptoms

Salmonella poisoning typically announces itself with a not-so-pleasant parade of symptoms that usually kick in anywhere from 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food. You’re looking at:

• Nausea and vomiting (often the unwelcome opening act)
• Diarrhea that may contain blood
• Fever and chills
• Splitting headaches
• Abdominal cramping that feels like your stomach is hosting a wrestling match

For most healthy adults, these symptoms resolve within a week, but it’s a miserable week that nobody should have to endure. The real concern comes when the infection leads to severe dehydration or bacteremia, where the bacteria hitches a ride through your bloodstream to other parts of your body.

What You Need to Do Right Now

First things first – if you have any of these recalled eggs, don’t try to cook your way out of trouble. Salmonella bacteria are surprisingly resilient, and even thoroughly cooked eggs from a contaminated batch can still pose risks through cross-contamination.

Throw those eggs away immediately, and while you’re at it, give your refrigerator, countertops, and any utensils that may have touched the eggs a thorough scrubbing with hot, soapy water. Think of it as spring cleaning for your peace of mind.

If you’re experiencing any of the severe symptoms mentioned above – particularly fever over 102°F, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration – don’t play the waiting game. Call your healthcare provider or head to urgent care.

The Bigger Picture of Food Safety

This egg recall serves as another reminder that our food safety system, while generally robust, isn’t foolproof. It’s the second major egg recall this year, following a June incident that affected nearly 2 million eggs.

Country Eggs has issued an apology for the egg recall and stopped production while the FDA investigates, but for the families dealing with sick loved ones, apologies don’t undo the suffering. The company promises to implement corrective actions, but consumers are understandably left wondering how contaminated products slip through the cracks in the first place.

Food safety experts consistently emphasize that prevention starts at home. Always check recall notices, practice proper food handling, and when in doubt, throw it out. Your health is worth more than the cost of a dozen eggs.

Stay informed, stay safe, and maybe consider checking those breakfast plans before you start cracking shells. Because the only thing worse than a bad egg is a contaminated one that lands you in the hospital.