California Egg Recall Linked to 63 Illnesses, 13 Hospitalizations, Officials Report

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported that 63 people have fallen ill from salmonella linked to eggs from Vega Farms, Inc. Thirteen of the affected individuals required hospitalization, though no deaths have occurred. The eggs were sold at seven locations across Sacramento and Davis.

Officials traced the salmonella contamination to multiple egg samples collected by CDPH and the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Whole genome sequencing confirmed that the strain found in the eggs matched that in the sick individuals. The eggs recalled were 12-count cartons and 30-count flats bearing handler code 2136 with sell-by dates of December 22 and prior.

Locations of Recalled Eggs

The contaminated eggs were distributed to the following stores:

1. Taylor’s Market
2. Six additional stores across Sacramento and Davis

Taylor’s Market identified the problem early when employees noticed some eggs used in their store kitchen did not cook properly and had unusual odors. General manager Jason Chapman said, “It was pretty noticeable if there were bad ones. They looked fine. They didn’t smell right and they didn’t cook right.” The store discarded over 700 eggs out of a 1,000-egg order.

According to a Vega Farms spokesperson, about 1,500 dozen eggs were affected by the recall. They suspected that contamination originated from the processing equipment. The spokesperson added, “This is the first recall of its type in 40 years.” Customers who still have eggs fitting the recall description are urged to return or discard them.

The CDPH continues to monitor the outbreak and advises consumers to stay vigilant when handling eggs. Proper cooking and food safety practices remain essential to preventing salmonella infections.