Brown, cage-free eggs from Country Eggs, LLC (Lucerne Valley, California) have been linked to 95 confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses in 14 states, according to information released today (August 28, 2025) by the CDC.

Eighteen people have been hospitalized.

Outbreak cases have been reported in Arizona (1), California (73), Florida (1), Georgia (1), Hawaii (1), Iowa (1), Minnesota (4), North Carolina (2), Nebraska (1), Nevada (3), New York (2), Pennsylvania (1), and Washington (3).

Patient interviews conducted by the CDC and its local partners identified eggs and egg-containing dishes as the most likely source of the illnesses. Traceback investigations conducted by the FDA identified Country Eggs, LLC as a common supplier of the eggs.

On August 27, 2025, Country Eggs, LLC announced a recall of LARGE BROWN CAGE FREE SUNSHINE YOLKS sold under the following brand names and package formats

• Nagatoshi:- Sell by dates 7/1/25 through 9/16/25; No. CA 7695
• Misuho:- Sell by dates 7/1/25 through 9/16/25; No. CA 7695
• Nijiya Markets:- Sell by dates 7/1/25 through 9/16/25; No. CA 7695
• Country Eggs LARGE BROWN SUNSHINE YOLKS:– Packed 1/15 DZ Bulk for Foodservice; Sell by 7/1/25 – 9/16/25

The recalled eggs were distributed in California and Nevada to grocery stores and foodservice distributors.

Investigation timeline

The first outbreak case was reported in January 2025. By mid-April, more than 30 outbreak cases had been identified.

The FDA initiated a traceback investigation on April 23, 2025, but was unable to trace a likely source of the outbreak and ended the investigation.

Between mid-June and mid-July, the CDC received reports of spike in the occurrence of illnesses caused by the same outbreak strain. The reports included reports of illnesses experienced by customers of four restaurants.

With this new information, the FDA reopened its traceback investigation and determined that Country Eggs was a common supplier of the eggs consumed by outbreak victims.

Country Eggs inspection history

Country Eggs, LLC has been inspected only once by the FDA, according to information posted on the FDA Inspection Data Dashboard.

This inspection took place in November 2016 and the company’s operation was graded as “Voluntary Action Indicated.”

The inspector found two significant items that required correction:

• The company’s written Salmonella Enteritidis prevention plan lacks appropriate Salmonella Enteritidis prevention measures; and
• The company prepared, packed, or held shell eggs under insanitary conditions.

Based on information available on the FDA website, there is no evidence that a follow-up inspection ever took place.

What the public needs to know (per CDC)

• Do not eat any recalled eggs. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them.
• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled eggs using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
• Businesses should not sell or serve recalled eggs
• Businesses should wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled eggs.
  

Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?

Click on the link to listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.