5 Shocking Egg Recalls Of 2024 And The Urgent Steps You Must Take Now

The safety of your breakfast is at stake. As of December 11, 2025, several major egg recalls have rocked the food industry throughout 2024, with federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issuing urgent warnings to consumers. These alerts are critical, primarily stemming from the pervasive threat of Salmonella contamination, a bacterium that can cause serious, sometimes fatal, infections, especially in vulnerable populations. The latest outbreaks have affected millions of eggs across various states, making it crucial for every consumer to immediately check their refrigerators.

The continuous cycle of food recalls, particularly for a staple like eggs, highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining a secure food supply chain. This comprehensive guide details the most significant egg recalls of 2024, provides the exact steps to protect your family, and explains how you can claim a full refund for any affected products you may have purchased.

The 2024 Egg Recall Roster: Brands, Locations, and Contamination Risks

The majority of major egg recalls in 2024 have been linked to potential Salmonella contamination. This bacterium is naturally present in the environment and can contaminate eggs either through the hen's reproductive tract or from outside the shell after the egg is laid. Knowing the brand names, affected dates, and plant codes is the only way to ensure your eggs are safe.

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1. Milo's Poultry Farms LLC Salmonella Outbreak (September 2024)

This recall was initiated following an outbreak investigation into a multi-state Salmonella infection. While the recalled eggs are now past their expiration and no longer available for sale, the investigation remains a key reference point for understanding the breadth of the 2024 outbreaks.

• Contaminant: Salmonella (specifically linked to an outbreak investigation).
• Affected States: The recalled eggs were distributed to food service locations and retailers in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.
• Consumer Note: While the product is expired, this event serves as a reminder to check any eggs purchased around that time and to be vigilant about future Milo's products.

2. Vega Farms, Inc. Voluntary Recall (December 2024)

In a very recent action, Vega Farms, Inc., based in Dixon, California, issued a voluntary recall for a specific lot of its eggs. This was a proactive measure after routine checks indicated a potential exposure to contamination during the processing phase.

• Contaminant: Potential Salmonella contamination.
• Affected Area: Distributed primarily in Northern California.
• Distribution: The eggs were largely sold to restaurants and food service establishments, though consumers should still verify the source of any eggs purchased from local markets in the region.

3. August Egg Company Cage-Free and Organic Egg Recall

One of the largest recalls of the year involved a massive quantity of brown eggs from August Egg Company. The recall covered approximately 1.7 million dozen eggs, including both brown cage-free and brown certified organic varieties, due to the potential for Salmonella.

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• Contaminant: Potential Salmonella contamination.
• Affected Brands/Codes: Eggs marked with plant codes P-6562 or CA-5330 on the carton or package.
• Major Retailers Affected: The eggs were widely distributed at major grocery chains, including Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Safeway, Raleys, Food 4 Less, and Ralphs.

4. Black Sheep Egg Company Free Range Eggs

The FDA also issued a public health alert concerning the Black Sheep Egg Company's free-range eggs. Consumers were advised to check their refrigerators immediately for this specific brand.

• Contaminant: Potential Salmonella contamination.
• Products: 12-count and 18-count cartons of Black Sheep Egg Company-branded Free Range eggs.
• Action Required: The FDA explicitly recommended consumers throw these away or return them for a refund.

Urgent Consumer Action: What to Do With Recalled Eggs

If you discover that you have purchased any of the recalled eggs, the FDA and FoodSafety.gov have issued clear, non-negotiable instructions. Do not cook or consume them. Taking immediate action is the only way to prevent a serious illness known as Salmonellosis.

1. Check and Identify the Product

Your first step is to check your refrigerator for any egg cartons matching the brand names, Julian dates, or plant codes mentioned in the recall notices (e.g., P-6562 or CA-5330). If you have stored the eggs outside of their original packaging and cannot determine the source, the safest course of action is to discard them.

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2. Discard or Return for a Refund

You have two options for disposal, both of which will result in a refund:

• Return to Store: Bring the product back to the place of purchase for a full refund. Many stores will issue a refund even without a receipt for recalled items.
• Discard Safely: If you choose to throw them away, ensure they are disposed of properly so that other people or animals cannot consume them. You may still be able to contact the retailer or manufacturer with proof of purchase (like a photo of the carton or receipt) to receive a credit or refund.

3. Clean and Sanitize Your Kitchen

This is a critical step often overlooked. Salmonella can spread easily to surfaces and other foods. You must thoroughly clean and sanitize any containers, surfaces, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs. This includes the refrigerator shelf where they were stored. Use hot, soapy water and a sanitizing solution.

Beyond Salmonella: Avian Flu and the Future of Egg Safety

While the 2024 recalls were primarily driven by bacterial contamination, a separate and equally significant threat to the egg supply chain is the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu. In 2024, the virus expanded its reach, infecting commercial poultry flocks and causing significant disruption and price volatility in the market.

Major producers, such as Cal-Maine Foods, the largest U.S. fresh egg producer, have had to halt operations at affected facilities. However, it is important to note that as of the latest reports, there have been no known egg recalls due to Avian Flu in the retail market. The FDA maintains that the likelihood of eggs from infected poultry reaching consumers is low, and proper storage and cooking further reduce any risk.

The convergence of Salmonella outbreaks and the ongoing threat of Avian Flu creates a complex landscape for egg producers and consumers. The focus remains on robust biosecurity measures, stringent testing protocols, and clear, rapid communication from regulatory bodies like the FDA and USDA to keep the food supply safe. As a consumer, staying informed about plant codes, Julian dates, and recall alerts is your best defense against foodborne illness. Always practice safe food handling—cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm, and never consume raw or undercooked eggs.