August Egg Company Recalls 1.7 Million Eggs: What You Need to Know About the June 2025 Salmonella Outbreak
Understand the nationwide August Egg Company recall, the risks of salmonella infection, affected states and stores, and crucial safety steps.
Understanding the June 2025 August Egg Company Egg Recall
In early June 2025, health authorities across the United States issued an urgent recall for brown organic and brown cage-free eggs distributed by the August Egg Company after a dangerous salmonella outbreak sickened dozens of people in multiple states. This comprehensive guide details everything consumers need to know—what triggered the recall, where and how it spread, the symptoms and risks of salmonella, and actionable steps for food safety.
Quick Facts: The August Egg Company Recall
- Date Recall Issued: June 6, 2025
- Company: August Egg Company, Hilmar, California
- Egg Types: Brown organic and brown cage-free eggs
- Volume Recalled: Over 1.7 million eggs (approx. 1.7 million dozen)
- Distribution Period: February–May 2025
- Affected States: Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming
- Major Retailers: Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raleys, Food 4 Less, Ralphs, Walmart
- Outbreak Illnesses: At least 79 reported cases, 21 hospitalizations, no deaths
- Cause: Salmonella contamination traced to eggs
How the Outbreak Unfolded
Health officials first noted the cluster of salmonella cases in late spring 2025. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that epidemiological investigations linked the illnesses to brown organic and cage-free eggs produced by August Egg Company and sold during the period from February through May. By June 6, the CDC confirmed that the outbreak affected consumers in at least nine states and prompted the company to recall millions of eggs from store shelves.
The FDA, CDC, and local authorities worked together to trace the contamination, using illness reports, egg carton codes, and consumer interviews to confirm the source.
After the recall, eggs from affected batches were removed from sale, but many consumers had already purchased and used the eggs, contributing to dozens of confirmed salmonella cases.
Details of the Recall: Brands, Dates, and Identifying Codes
The recall focused both on eggs sold directly under the August Egg Company label and eggs distributed under store-brand names. Consumers were advised to check their egg cartons for the following identifying information:
- Plant codes: P-6562 or CA5330 (printed on the carton or package)
- Julian dates: 032–126
- Sell-by dates: March 4, 2025 – June 19, 2025
- Stores affected: Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raleys, Food 4 Less, Ralphs, Walmart (varies by state, with Walmart stocking affected eggs in AZ, CA, IL, IN, NE, NM, NV, WA, WY)
The recall also extended to eggs distributed to restaurants and food service providers, further escalating concerns about potential exposure.
Symptoms and Health Risks of Salmonella Infection
Salmonella is a common bacterial pathogen that infects an estimated 1.35 million Americans annually. Infection typically occurs following ingestion of contaminated food, with eggs representing a notable risk when improperly handled or cooked.
Common Salmonella Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
Symptoms usually start within six hours to six days of exposure. Most people recover without treatment in four to seven days, but severe illness can require hospitalization and even antibiotics, especially for at-risk groups.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Children under five years old
- Adults over 65
- People with weakened immune systems
Groups with compromised immunity or underlying conditions (like heart disease) may require special medical attention or antibiotic therapy.
Outbreak Statistics: Illnesses and Hospitalizations
By early June, nearly 80 people had reported confirmed salmonella infections across seven states, with at least 21 hospitalizations. The 2025 June outbreak followed a separate recall earlier that year involving a similar company and affected a total of more than 130 people in ten states, demonstrating the serious impact of eggborne salmonella contamination.
The highest concentrations of illnesses were reported in California and adjacent states, likely reflecting regional distribution patterns.
| State | Confirmed Cases | Hospitalizations |
|---|---|---|
| California | 73 | 14 |
| Arizona | 13 | 2 |
| Illinois | 8 | 2 |
| Nevada | 7 | 1 |
| Rest (IN, NE, NM, WA, WY) | 26 | 2 |
Note: Numbers are approximate and based on CDC, FDA, and AP reports for the 2025 outbreak.
Food Safety: What Consumers Should Do
Health officials strongly urge any consumers who purchased eggs matching the recall description to take immediate steps:
- Do not eat recalled eggs—discard them or return them for a refund.
- Check egg cartons for plant codes (P-6562, CA5330) and Julian dates (032–126).
- Wash and disinfect any utensils, containers, or surfaces that may have contacted the eggs. Use hot, soapy water or a dishwasher for thorough cleaning.
- Contact the August Egg Company recall hotline at 1-800-710-2554 for questions (available 9am–5pm PT).
- Monitor for salmonella symptoms; seek medical attention if illness develops, especially for vulnerable individuals.
Key Steps for Preventing Salmonella Infection
Follow the Four Steps to Food Safety:
- Clean: Wash hands, kitchen tools, surfaces, and all produce thoroughly before handling food.
- Separate: Keep raw eggs and other potential sources of contamination separate from foods that won’t be cooked.
- Cook: Ensure eggs and other dishes reach safe internal temperatures. Cook eggs until both whites and yolks are firm.
- Chill: Refrigerate eggs and perishables promptly (within 2 hours or 1 hour if exposed to heat above 90°F).
Proper food safety practices dramatically reduce the risk of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know if my eggs are part of the recall?
A: Check for plant codes P-6562 or CA5330 and Julian dates 032–126 on your egg carton. If the carton matches, return them to your store or discard them.
Q: What should I do if I’ve already eaten the recalled eggs?
A: Monitor for salmonella symptoms (diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting). If you develop severe symptoms, especially dehydration or a fever over 102°F, seek medical care immediately.
Q: Can I still buy eggs safely?
A: Yes, recalled eggs are no longer on sale and their shelf life has expired. Always follow food safety guidelines and check packaging before purchase.
Q: Should I sanitize my refrigerator?
A: If recalled eggs were stored in your refrigerator, clean shelves and drawers with hot, soapy water to prevent cross-contamination.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: For questions, call the August Egg Company recall hotline at 1-800-710-2554 between 9am and 5pm PT or consult FDA and CDC websites for updated information.
What Does This Recall Mean for the Future of Egg Safety?
The June 2025 recall highlights the ongoing challenges in preventing salmonella contamination at every stage—from farm to processing to consumer homes. Regulatory agencies continue to improve detection, rapid response, and preventative standards to minimize risks. For shoppers, vigilance around food labeling, safe handling habits, and awareness of recall alerts is essential to protect themselves and their families.
Additional Resources for Consumers
- CDC About Salmonella: Information on symptoms, treatment, and prevention
- FDA Food Safety Alerts: Latest recall alerts and guidance
- Mayo Clinic: Salmonella facts and healthcare advice
- AARP Product Recalls and Consumer Safety: Updates on food and home safety
Summary Table: Key Facts of the August Egg Company Recall
| Recall Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | August Egg Company, Hilmar, California |
| Egg Types | Brown organic and brown cage-free eggs |
| Volume | 1.7 million eggs |
| Affected States | Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming |
| Major Stores | Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raleys, Food 4 Less, Ralphs, Walmart |
| Plant Codes | P-6562, CA5330 |
| Julian Dates | 032–126 |
| Sell-by Dates | March 4, 2025 – June 19, 2025 |
| Outbreak Cases | At least 79 confirmed |
| Hospitalizations | 21 reported |
| Recall Hotline | 1-800-710-2554 (9am–5pm PT) |
28 Tips to Avoid Food-Borne Illness
- Cook eggs until both yolks and whites are firm.
- Never consume raw or undercooked eggs in recipes.
- Promptly refrigerate eggs; do not leave at room temperature for extended periods.
- Store eggs in their original cartons, away from strong-smelling foods.
- Sanitize kitchen surfaces, utensils, and dishcloths regularly.
- Wash hands before and after handling eggs or cooking.
- Keep eggs separate from other groceries in your refrigerator.
- Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, not on the countertop.
- Discard eggs past their expiration or sell-by date.
- If in doubt about egg safety, err on the side of caution—discard suspicious eggs.
Conclusion
The June 2025 August Egg Company salmonella outbreak was a significant public health event that affected thousands of households. By taking food safety precautions—staying alert for recall announcements, checking packaging codes, practicing proper kitchen hygiene, and knowing the symptoms of infection—consumers can help prevent illness and reduce the impact of future outbreaks. For ongoing updates, monitor FDA and CDC recall lists, and never hesitate to consult healthcare professionals if illness from contaminated eggs is suspected.
