The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the recall on December 5, following a contamination alert tied to Vega Farms Inc., a family-owned farm based in Dixon. The recall affects eggs distributed primarily in the Sacramento and Davis areas, including products supplied to restaurants and farmers’ markets.
The issue involves approximately 18,000 in-shell eggs, packaged in 12-count cartons and 30-count flats. These eggs may have been exposed to salmonella bacteria during processing. The farm confirmed the contamination was isolated to equipment used in the packing process and did not stem from the farm’s chickens.
Details of the Recall and Affected Products
According to the CDPH notice, the recalled eggs are marked with a handler code of 2136 and carry sell-by dates of December 22, 2025, or earlier. Alternatively, consumers can look for Julian dates of 328 or lower, which correspond to packing dates earlier in the year. These identifiers apply to both packaging formats.
The affected eggs were sold in local retail stores, restaurants, and farmers’ markets, especially around Sacramento and Davis. In total, the recall includes about 1,515 dozen eggs, Vega Farms told KCRA 3.
Importantly, no cases of illness linked to the eggs have been reported as of mid-December. Vega Farms said it had already pulled the affected batches from store shelves and notified all retailers, per coverage from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Consumers who find affected cartons in their homes are advised to either dispose of the eggs safely or return them to the place of purchase. The CDPH also recommends thoroughly cleaning any kitchen surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the eggs to minimize health risks.
Health Concerns and Salmonella Symptoms
Salmonella is a common bacterial infection that can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly in vulnerable populations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms typically develop six hours to six days after exposure and may include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
While most people recover without treatment within a week, severe cases can lead to hospitalization or complications such as dehydration and infections that spread beyond the intestines, especially in young children, elderly adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
The CDC advises seeking medical help if symptoms escalate to include high fever (above 102°F), bloody stools, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration like dizziness and dry mouth. In rare cases, salmonella can lead to conditions such as bacteremia or meningitis if not properly addressed.
Vega Farms noted this is the first recall in the farm’s 40-year history, underscoring its typically strong safety record. The farm has not commented publicly beyond its statements to local media, and attempts to reach them as of December 10 went unanswered. For more information or questions about the recall, consumers can contact Vega Farms directly at 530-400-9505, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
