The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning on December 12, 2025, confirming that a batch of in-shell brown eggs from Vega Farms has been linked to 63 cases of salmonella infection. While no fatalities have been reported, 13 individuals have been hospitalized, highlighting the severity of the situation. This recall is a reminder of how quickly a public health threat can escalate and the importance of swift action in managing food safety crises.
Salmonella Contamination and Symptoms
Salmonella infections are a serious public health concern, particularly when linked to widespread food contamination. According to the CDPH, the eggs in question were distributed across California, affecting restaurants, grocery stores, co-ops, and farmers’ markets. The recalled eggs have a handler code of 2136 and sell-by dates of December 22 or earlier, packaged in various formats such as 1-dozen cartons, 30-egg trays, and 15-dozen cases.
Symptoms of salmonella infection typically appear within six hours to six days after exposure. These include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with most cases resolving within a week. However, certain groups, such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, are at a higher risk for severe complications, which can lead to hospitalization. Public health experts stress that those who consume the affected eggs and develop symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
The CDPH and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) have been actively investigating the source of the outbreak. Preliminary findings indicate that both egg and environmental samples from Vega Farms tested positive for salmonella, with whole genome sequencing confirming a match with the outbreak strain. This discovery led to the recall and the urgent public health advisory.
The Response and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the outbreak, the CDPH has advised consumers who purchased the affected eggs to dispose of them immediately or return them for a full refund. Businesses are urged to stop selling or serving the contaminated eggs and ensure that all surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the eggs are thoroughly sanitized.
The recall highlights the importance of food safety measures and the role of public health agencies in swiftly containing potential outbreaks. According to the CDPH, investigations are ongoing, and they are working closely with Vega Farms to eliminate salmonella from the company’s operations. This includes providing guidance to ensure that proper safety protocols are followed to prevent future outbreaks.
As the investigation continues, consumers are advised to stay informed and report any concerns regarding the sale of the recalled products to the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232. While salmonella outbreaks are not uncommon, this incident serves as a reminder of how vital it is for both consumers and businesses to be vigilant when handling food products. The CDPH’s website will continue to provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
