More than 60 sick in California after eating eggs; recall initiated

California health officials say 63 people have fallen ill with Salmonella Enteritidis infections tied to eggs.

Thirteen of the patients have required hospitalization, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The department is warning people to not eat Vega brand in-shell eggs distributed by Vega Farms Inc. 

The company has recalled its eggs, which were distributed to grocery stores, restaurants, co-ops and farmers markets in Northern California.

There is concern that consumers and businesses may still have the eggs because the sell-by date is not until Dec. 22.

The CDPH and state department of agriculture inspected Vega Farms and collected egg and environmental samples for testing. Multiple samples were positive for Salmonella. At least one sample was positive for the outbreak strain on Salmonella, according to results from whole genome sequencing.

The health and agriculture departments are working with Vega Farms to provide guidance on how to eliminate Salmonella and prevent future outbreaks.

The recalled eggs can be identified by the following information:

• Product description: Brown Eggs
• Handler Code: 2136
• Julian Date (3-digit number from 001 to 365 corresponding to the day of the year): 328 and prior
• Sell-by dates: 12-22-25 and prior
• Brand name: Vega Farms
• Package sizes:
  • Consumer packaging: 1-dozen cartons and 30-egg flats
  • Foodservice packaging: 15-dozen cases (contains 6 flats of 30 eggs each) 

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled eggs and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.