Urgent Alert: 4 Major Egg Recalls You Must Check Your Fridge For Now (December 2025)

The safety of your breakfast is on the line. As of Thursday, December 11, 2025, consumers across the United States are being urged to check their refrigerators for several high-risk egg products that have been voluntarily or mandatorily recalled due to potential contamination with the harmful bacteria Salmonella. The most immediate concern is a recent alert issued for eggs distributed by Vega Farms, Inc., but this follows several other major recalls throughout 2025 that may still affect products in your home.

This comprehensive guide details the specific brands, dates, and codes of the affected eggs, explains exactly how to check your carton for the critical "Julian Date" code, and outlines the urgent steps you must take if you find a recalled product. Do not consume any of the eggs listed below; immediate disposal or return is essential to prevent serious foodborne illness.

The 4 Most Recent and High-Risk Egg Recalls of 2025

Federal agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have tracked multiple large-scale egg recalls throughout the year. The primary risk in all these cases is contamination with Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Here are the four major recalls you need to be aware of right now:

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1. Vega Farms, Inc. (Latest December 2025 Alert)

This is the most current recall, issued by Vega Farms, Inc., based in Dixon, California, in early December 2025. The voluntary recall was initiated after routine checks indicated that some eggs may have been exposed to Salmonella during the processing stage.

• Affected Product: Shell eggs, sold in 12-count cartons and 30-count flats.
• Reason for Recall: Potential Salmonella contamination.
• Affected Dates: Products with "Sell By" dates of Dec. 22, 2025, and prior.
• Identifying Code: Look for the three-digit Julian Date (pack date) of 328 and prior.
• Distribution: The eggs were sold primarily in California, distributed to retail stores and restaurants.

2. Black Sheep Egg Company / Kenz Henz (Expanded October 2025 Alert)

One of the largest recalls of the year was the expanded Class I recall—the most serious type—involving over 6 million eggs distributed across at least six states. The eggs were produced by Black Sheep Egg Company and sold under the Kenz Henz brand.

• Affected Product: 12-count Kenz Henz Grade AA Large Eggs (Pasture Raised Eggs).
• Reason for Recall: High risk of Salmonella contamination.
• Identifying Code (UPC): UPC Code 86949400030.
• Affected Dates: Products with Best By dates between 10/11/2025 through 10/17/2025.
• Distribution: Sold in retail stores nationwide, including Houston, Texas, and several other states.

3. August Egg Company (Spring 2025 Recall)

The August Egg Company recall, while older, involved a massive quantity of product—1.7 million dozen shell eggs—and is a crucial reminder to check frozen or long-stored cartons.

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• Affected Product: Shell eggs processed at their Hilmar, CA plant.
• Reason for Recall: Potential health risk.
• Affected Dates: Distributed from February 3, 2025, through May 15, 2025, with Sell By dates from March 4, 2025, to June 4, 2025.
• Distribution: Sold in California and Nevada.

4. Country Eggs, LLC (August 2025 Outbreak Link)

This recall was directly linked to a Salmonella outbreak investigated by the CDC.

• Affected Product: Large brown cage-free "sunshine yolks" or "omega-3 golden yolks" eggs.
• Reason for Recall: Linked to a Salmonella outbreak.
• Affected Dates: Products with Sell-By dates from July 2025.

How to Identify Recalled Eggs: Understanding the Julian Date Code

The most reliable way to confirm if your eggs are part of a recall is to check the packaging for the "Julian Date." Unlike the "Sell By" or "Best By" date, the Julian Date is a three-digit code that indicates the exact day the eggs were packaged.

The code ranges from 001 (January 1st) to 365 (December 31st). For example, the Julian Date 328 corresponds to November 24th.

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Where to Find the Julian Date:

The three-digit Julian Date is usually stamped on the short side of the egg carton, often near or below the "Sell By" date. It is a mandatory code for all federally inspected egg cartons.

Action Step: If your egg carton's Julian Date or Best By Date falls within the ranges specified for the Vega Farms or Kenz Henz recalls, immediately proceed to the next section.

Urgent Steps: What to Do If You Have Recalled Eggs

If you have identified any of the recalled products in your home, it is critical that you follow these safety protocols immediately to prevent the spread of Salmonella bacteria.

1. Do Not Eat the Eggs

Even if the eggs appear normal, consuming them—raw, undercooked, or in dishes—can lead to serious illness. Do not attempt to cook the eggs to "kill" the bacteria, as this is not a guaranteed method for high-risk recalled products.

2. Dispose or Return the Product

The FDA and USDA recommend two primary courses of action:

• Return: Take the eggs back to the store where you purchased them for a full refund or replacement.
• Dispose: If you cannot return them, dispose of the eggs properly in a sealed garbage bag so that no one else, including pets or wildlife, can consume them.

3. Clean and Sanitize

Thoroughly wash and sanitize any surfaces that the eggs may have touched, including the refrigerator shelf, countertops, cutting boards, and any utensils. Use hot, soapy water and a food-safe sanitizer.

Protecting Your Family: Recognizing Salmonella Symptoms

The primary health concern with these recalls is an infection called Salmonellosis, caused by the Salmonella bacteria. While most healthy individuals recover without treatment, the illness can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Common Symptoms of Salmonella Infection:

Symptoms typically begin 6 hours to 6 days after ingesting the contaminated product.

• Diarrhea (often severe)
• Fever and chills
• Abdominal cramps or stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache

If you or a family member consumed any of the recalled eggs and are experiencing these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Severe cases can lead to dehydration and may require hospitalization.

Essential Egg Safety and Storage Tips

Following basic food safety guidelines can significantly reduce your risk of contracting a foodborne illness from eggs. The FDA and USDA recommend these tips for buying, storing, and preparing eggs:

Buying and Storing Eggs

Keep it Cold: Always buy eggs from refrigerated cases. Store raw shell eggs promptly in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Do not store eggs in the refrigerator door, as the temperature fluctuates too much.

Check the Carton: Before purchasing, open the carton to ensure the eggs are clean and the shells are not cracked. Cracked eggs should be discarded immediately.

Storage Lifespan: Raw eggs in the shell can be stored safely in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 weeks from the date of purchase.

Preparation and Cooking Tips

Cook Thoroughly: Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm. Dishes containing eggs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Avoid eating raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as those used in homemade Caesar dressing or some custards.

Prevent Cross-Contamination: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw eggs. Keep raw eggs and egg-containing foods separate from cooked, ready-to-eat foods during storage and preparation.

By staying vigilant and checking the critical Julian Date on your egg cartons, you can protect yourself and your family from the ongoing risks associated with food recalls. Always consult the official FDA and USDA recall websites for the most up-to-the-minute information.