California health officials have confirmed that at least 63 people have fallen ill with Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to eggs distributed by Vega Farms Inc., prompting a recall and a public warning to consumers and food businesses.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), 13 of the infected individuals have required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported so far. The recalled product involves Vega Farms brand in-shell brown eggs sold across Northern California, including grocery stores, restaurants, co-ops, and farmers markets.
Officials expressed concern that contaminated eggs may still be in circulation because some cartons carry sell-by dates as late as December 22, 2025.
State health and agriculture officials inspected Vega Farms and collected both egg and environmental samples for laboratory testing. Multiple samples tested positive for Salmonella, and whole genome sequencing confirmed that at least one sample matched the outbreak strain.
The CDPH and the California Department of Food and Agriculture are now working closely with the company to identify sources of contamination and implement corrective measures aimed at eliminating Salmonella and preventing future outbreaks.
Consumers and foodservice operators are urged to check their supplies for the following recalled eggs:
Anyone in possession of these eggs should not consume them and should discard or return them according to recall instructions.
Food contaminated with Salmonella typically does not look, smell, or taste spoiled. While anyone can become infected, infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness.
Symptoms generally appear 12 to 72 hours after consumption and may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most healthy adults recover within four to seven days, but severe cases may require hospitalization.
Health officials advise anyone who has eaten the recalled eggs and developed symptoms to seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about possible Salmonella exposure, as specialized tests are often required for diagnosis.
Some infected individuals may show no symptoms but can still spread the bacteria to others, increasing the public health risk.
The CDPH continues to monitor the situation and urges consumers and businesses to remain vigilant as the investigation and recall efforts continue.