Widespread egg recall salmonella outbreak ties Country Eggs recall to nearly 100 illnesses — Sonoma residents urged to check cartons
A nationwide Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled brown and organic eggs, including products from Country Eggs, LLC and August Egg Company, has sickened nearly 100 people across 18 states and prompted warnings from the FDA and CDC.
- Outbreak scale: About 95 people sickened across 14–18 states with 18 hospitalizations and no deaths reported so far (CBS News, FDA outbreak page, CIDRAP summary).
- Primary recalls: Country Eggs, LLC (August 2025) and August Egg Company (June 2025) are tied to the illnesses (FDA outbreak page, CBS News, Hematology Advisor).
- Products to avoid: Large brown cage-free and organic eggs with carton/plant code CA 7695 and sell-by dates July 1–Sept. 18, 2025, plus various August Egg Company lots sold earlier in 2025 (CBS News, FDA outbreak page, CIDRAP summary).
Key information
Scope: Federal health investigators report roughly 95 illnesses across 14–18 states, with 18 hospitalizations and no confirmed deaths to date. The CDC and FDA have linked cases through patient interviews and traceback data (CBS News, FDA outbreak page, CIDRAP summary).
Retail distribution: Country Eggs products were distributed in California, Nevada and other states; many illnesses have been reported in California. August Egg Company products were sold through retailers including Walmart, Safeway and Raley’s earlier in 2025 (CBS News, Hematology Advisor, AARP).
Background and timeline
Investigators from the FDA and CDC first traced illnesses to certain August Egg Company products sold in the spring, prompting a June recall affecting several states and retailers (Hematology Advisor, AARP).
In August 2025, additional traceback evidence linked a larger cluster to Country Eggs, LLC. Recalled Country Eggs items include large brown cage-free eggs marketed as “Sunshine Yolks” or “Omega-3 Golden Yolks”, sold under Country Eggs and several other brand names (CBS News, FDA outbreak page).
Which egg brands and products to avoid
Public health agencies provide the following identifiers to spot recalled Country Eggs products:
- Product: Large brown cage-free eggs labeled “Sunshine Yolks” or “Omega-3 Golden Yolks.”
- Brand names: Country Eggs, Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho, Nijiya Markets.
- Carton/plant code: CA 7695.
- Sell-by dates: July 1 through Sept. 18, 2025.
- Distribution: Sold in grocery stores, restaurants and markets in California, Nevada and other affected states (CBS News, FDA outbreak page, CIDRAP summary).
An earlier recall connected to August Egg Company covered brown organic and brown cage-free eggs sold through Walmart, Safeway and Raley’s between February and May 2025 across multiple states including Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington and Wyoming (Hematology Advisor, AARP).
What to do if you have recalled eggs
Health officials recommend practical steps to reduce risk:
- Do not eat eggs that match the recalled brands, carton code CA 7695, or the sell-by dates listed above.
- Check egg cartons at home for brand names, plant codes and sell-by dates.
- Throw away recalled eggs or return them to the store for a refund.
- Clean and sanitize surfaces, utensils and containers that may have touched the eggs — use hot soapy water then a disinfectant.
- For up-to-date recall lists and details, consult the FDA outbreak page regularly.
Health impacts and when to seek care
Symptoms of Salmonella can include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, stomach cramps and dehydration. Most healthy adults recover without treatment, but young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill (Hematology Advisor, CBS News).
Seek medical care if you or a family member has:
- Bloody diarrhea
- High fever (above 102°F)
- Persistent vomiting
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, little or no urine, dizziness)
If you think you were exposed and are unsure about symptoms, contact your doctor or your county public health department for advice.
Outbreak status and investigation
Federal and state health agencies continue epidemiologic and traceback investigations. The CDC and FDA use patient interviews and distribution records to link illnesses to specific egg products. Officials warn the list of recalled products could expand as investigations continue; consumers and retailers should monitor official updates (FDA outbreak page, CIDRAP summary).
Implications for Sonoma, California
Economic impact
Sonoma County shoppers and food businesses may face short-term costs from returns, refunds and replacing inventory. Local specialty markets carrying brands like Misuho or Nagatoshi Produce should audit cartons and remove recalled items. Small food producers and caterers relying on local eggs may incur added expenses to source safe replacements.
Political and regulatory consequences
Local and state officials could increase inspections of egg suppliers and distribution centers. Sonoma County agricultural and public health leaders may press for clearer labeling or tighter traceability and consider food safety funding and inspection frequency at county board meetings.
Public health and social effects
Because many illnesses were reported in California, Sonoma residents should be vigilant. Families with young children, seniors and people with health conditions should check cartons now. Community clinics and hospitals should be prepared to advise patients and treat suspected cases if symptom reports rise.
Cultural relevance and local food practices
Eggs are central to Sonoma food traditions — from farmers market breakfasts to winery brunches and home baking. Consumers who prefer brown cage-free or organic eggs may temporarily shift buying habits. Local chefs and bakers should communicate clearly to maintain customer trust.
Practical steps for Sonoma households
- Check all egg cartons at home against the recalled brands list and the CA 7695 code. If you find a match, do not eat the eggs — dispose of or return them.
- If you bought eggs at a farmers market, grocery store or specialty market, ask the seller whether the eggs came from affected producers.
- Clean kitchen surfaces, containers and utensils that touched eggs with hot, soapy water and disinfectant.
- For food businesses: separate recalled stock, document returns, and update suppliers to ensure replacements are from unaffected producers.
- Stay informed by checking the FDA outbreak page and local Sonoma County Public Health updates.
Reporting illness and seeking help
If you suspect a salmonella infection after eating recalled eggs, contact your healthcare provider and report it to Sonoma County Public Health. Reporting helps investigators link cases and track the outbreak so officials can act faster to prevent more illnesses.
Sources and reporting
This article draws on reporting and public notices from the FDA, CDC summaries reported by national outlets, and public health coverage, including:
- FDA outbreak page
- CBS News coverage
- CIDRAP summary
- Hematology Advisor reporting
- AARP reporting and consumer guidance
“Consumers are urged to check refrigerators for specific carton codes and sell-by dates to avoid illness.” — Public health officials
For more information: Monitor the FDA outbreak page, CBS News, CIDRAP, Hematology Advisor, and AARP for updates.
