(Hilmar, CA) – A recent Salmonella outbreak connected to brown eggs has sickened at least 79 people across seven states. California-based August Egg Company has since recalled about 1.7 million dozen eggs sold under brands like Simple Truth – which were available at major stores such as Walmart and Safeway.
Symptoms of Salmonella sickness usually include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, starting within a few days of eating contaminated eggs. While most recover without problems, young children, seniors, and those with weaker immune systems should be especially careful.
Customers can check the packaging for specific dates and plant codes (P-6562 or CA-5330). USA Today reports the dates in question include eggs with sell-by dates to June 4: Through May 15, eggs with those sell-by dates were distributed to Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raleys, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs stores in California and Nevada. Also, eggs with sell-by dates to June 19: Through May 6, eggs with those sell-by dates were distributed to Walmart locations in California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois.
Don’t eat the eggs—throw them out or return them to the store – and make sure to clean any surfaces or utensils they may have come into contact with.
August Egg Company has halted sales from the affected facility and is working on improving safety measures. Health experts remind everyone to cook eggs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill harmful bacteria.
