Urgent Alert: Over 6 Million Eggs Recalled In Major Salmonella Outbreaks—Check Your Cartons NOW

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued urgent warnings regarding multiple, large-scale egg recalls linked to Salmonella outbreaks in late 2025. These incidents, including a significant outbreak traced to Vega Farms in California and a nationwide recall by Black Sheep Egg Company, have resulted in dozens of hospitalizations and millions of potentially contaminated eggs being removed from shelves. As of December 18, 2025, consumers are strongly advised to check their refrigerators immediately for specific product codes and sell-by dates to prevent a serious foodborne illness.

This comprehensive guide details the most recent recalls, explains exactly how to identify the affected products in your home, and provides essential, up-to-date egg safety protocols to safeguard your family against the risk of Salmonella infection, which can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly.

The Latest Salmonella Egg Recalls: Codes, Dates, and Affected Companies

The latter half of 2025 has seen several significant recalls. The most critical information for consumers revolves around identifying the specific product codes and dates associated with the contaminated eggs. These details are often printed on the side of the carton, near the "Sell By" or "Best By" date.

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1. Vega Farms, Inc. (California Outbreak)

This is the most recent outbreak, linked to a cluster of illnesses primarily in California. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and local health jurisdictions are actively working to ensure the recalled product is removed from circulation.

• Company: Vega Farms, Inc. (Dixon, CA)
• Product: Brown eggs, sold in 12-egg cartons and 30-egg flats.
• Critical Identification Codes:
  • Handler Code: 2136
  • Sell-By Date: December 22, 2025 (12-22-25) or earlier.
  • Julian Date: 328 or earlier (the three-digit number indicating the day of the year the eggs were packed).
• Impact: At least 63 people sickened, with 13 reported hospitalizations.

2. Black Sheep Egg Company (Nationwide Class I Recall)

This recall was a major event earlier in the fall, involving over six million eggs and designated as a Class I recall—the most serious type, meaning there is a reasonable probability that using the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

• Company: Black Sheep Egg Company (Arkansas-based)
• Product: Various eggs, including 12- and 18-count cartons of Black Sheep Egg Company-branded Free Range eggs.
• Critical Identification Codes:
  • UPC Codes: 860010568507 and 860010568538
  • Best-By Dates: Between August 22, 2025, and October 31, 2025.
• Scope: Distributed to companies in Arkansas and Missouri, but the recall was expanded nationwide.

Understanding Salmonella Infection and Symptoms

The bacteria responsible for these illnesses is typically Salmonella Enteritidis, which can contaminate the inside of an egg before the shell is even formed. Understanding the symptoms of salmonellosis is vital for early detection and treatment.

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What Happens If You Are Infected?

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, typically begin within 6 hours to 6 days after consuming the contaminated product. While most healthy individuals recover without specific treatment, the illness can be severe, especially for certain groups.

Common Symptoms of Salmonellosis:

• Diarrhea (often watery, sometimes bloody or with mucus)
• Fever
• Abdominal or Stomach Cramps (can be severe)
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Chills and Headache

If you experience severe symptoms such as prolonged high fever, signs of dehydration (like infrequent urination or dry mouth), or bloody stools, you should seek immediate medical attention. In rare cases, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening complications.

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Actionable Steps: How to Check Your Eggs and Stay Safe

The most effective way to protect yourself is by knowing how to read the codes on your carton and following strict food safety guidelines. The FDA’s Egg Safety Final Rule is designed to prevent these outbreaks, but consumer vigilance remains the last line of defense.

Decoding Your Egg Carton

There are two key pieces of information to look for on your egg carton, usually printed near the expiration date:

1. The Julian Date: This is a three-digit number (001 to 365) that represents the day of the year the eggs were packed. For example, 001 is January 1st, and 365 is December 31st. Recalls often specify a range of Julian dates.
2. The Plant/Handler Code: This is a four-digit number, sometimes preceded by a "P-", which identifies the USDA-inspected facility where the eggs were processed. The Vega Farms recall specifically cited Handler Code 2136.

Essential Egg Safety Tips (LSI Keywords / Entities)

Even with non-recalled eggs, proper handling and cooking are crucial for preventing foodborne illness.

• Immediate Disposal: If your eggs match any recall criteria (Vega Farms, Black Sheep Egg Company, Country Eggs, LLC, or others), do not eat, serve, or sell them. Throw them away immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
• Cleanliness: Wash and sanitize any containers, surfaces, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs, including your refrigerator shelves.
• Refrigeration: Always purchase eggs from a refrigerated case and store them in the main body of your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, not in the door.
• Thorough Cooking: Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm. Dishes containing eggs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This is the only way to guarantee the destruction of the Salmonella bacteria.
• Avoid Raw Consumption: Do not consume raw or undercooked eggs. This includes homemade Caesar dressing, hollandaise sauce, and raw cookie dough unless you are using pasteurized eggs (eggs that have been treated to destroy Salmonella).
• Cross-Contamination: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw eggs to prevent the spread of bacteria to other foods.

Staying informed about these recalls is a continuous process. Consumers should regularly check the official FDA and CDC websites for the latest updates, especially when purchasing eggs from local farms or specialty brands.