Happy Hens – eFoodAlert

September 11, 2026

Happy Hens has recalled three lots of in-shell organic eggs that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The eggs have been linked to an outbreak of 23 Salmonella infections in San Diego County, California.

The following eggs, which were distributed to restaurants, grocery stores, and farmer’s markets in Southern California and the Central Coast and were available for sale directly at the farm in Ramona, California, have been included in the recall:

Happy Hens brand in-shell organic eggs, all grades and sizes:- (15-dozen cases (for foodservice), and 1-dozen carton, 18-count carton, 20-count flats, and 30-count flats (for consumer sale); Lot codes 223, 226, and 237; Sell by Sep 10, Sep 13, and Sep 24, respectively; Egg handler code CA-0677)

The California Department of Public Health has warned consumers not to eat the recalled eggs, and has published a list of retailers where the eggs were sold.

The backstory

On July 28, 2026, San Diego County announced that it was investigating 13 confirmed and probable cases of Salmonella infections, including 4 hospitalizations, linked to Ramona Family Naturals Market. Investigators believed the outbreak was connected to mayonnaise made with raw, unpasteurized eggs and used in chicken salads and sandwiches sold at the market. The Ramona market purchased its eggs locally.

On August 17, 2026, the County updated its information, revealing publicly for the first time that the raw eggs used to prepare the mayonnaise came from Happy Hens, a local poultry farm. By this time, the outbreak had grown to 21 cases, including 7 hospitalizations. Some of the outbreak cases appeared to be unrelated to the Ramona market that had prepared the mayonnaise cited in the initial report.

The same day on which the update was released, the FDA visited Happy Hens poultry farm to conduct what was described as a “routine inspection.” Their visit included collecting samples from the floor and perch rails/nest boxes of the hen houses where chicken excrement accumulates.

According to an update released by the County on September 4, 2026, two of the farm’s seven hen houses proved to be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis. The strain found in the hen houses matched the outbreak strain.

Happy Hens finally initiated its voluntary recall on September 8th, six weeks after the initial outbreak announcement.

What the public needs to know

The California Department of Public Health offers the following guidance:

Consumers should look for recalled eggs at home. If found, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Businesses should not sell or serve any of the recalled eggs.
Consumers and businesses should wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Anyone finding these products for sale should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232 or submit an electronic report to CDPH’s Food and Drug Branch.
Always handle and cook eggs properly to prevent illness from Salmonella:
- Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm.
- Cook dishes made with eggs to at least 160°F.
- Wash your hands and items that come in contact with raw eggs and eggshells with hot soapy water.
- Use only pasteurized eggs if they are to be consumed raw or undercooked.

If you thing you might have eaten any of the recalled eggs, and you begin to experience symptoms of a Salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider.