A salmonella outbreak has raised health concerns across the United States, with at least 79 people infected and 21 hospitalized in seven states in the West and Midwest. The source of the outbreak has been traced to eggs distributed by August Egg Company, which has issued a recall of approximately 1.7 million eggs.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall affects organic brown and free-range brown eggs sold in grocery stores between February and May. The announcement was published Friday on the agency’s official website.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the salmonella strain detected is linked to the recalled products. Cases have been reported in Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming.
The FDA and CDC websites provide a detailed list of the affected brands, plant codes, and Julian dates to help identify the contaminated batches.
Salmonella infection can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, severe vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration. While most people recover within a week, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe complications that may require hospitalization.
Health officials urge consumers to discard the recalled eggs or return them to the place of purchase. They also recommend thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated products.
