Eggs Recalled as Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 23 People: What You Need to Know in 2026

Last updated: September 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Eggs recalled as salmonella outbreak sickens 23 people refers to a California-focused public health event in which Happy Hens in-shell organic eggs were linked to 23 confirmed illnesses and 7 hospitalizations. The California Department of Public Health announced a voluntary recall on September 8, 2026, urging consumers not to eat, sell, or serve the affected eggs. This outbreak is separate from the larger multistate salmonella investigation tied to Midwest Poultry Services.

Key Takeaways

• At least 23 people have been sickened and 7 hospitalized in a salmonella outbreak linked to Happy Hens organic eggs in Southern California.
• The FDA and state health officials confirmed the outbreak investigation began July 28, 2026. [1]
• Recalled eggs were produced at a Ramona, San Diego County poultry farm and distributed to regional markets. [3]
• A separate, larger salmonella outbreak tied to Midwest Poultry Services sickened at least 98 people across 17 states and led to a recall of more than 1.5 million dozen eggs. [8]
• Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting; people with weakened immune systems face higher risk.
• Consumers who bought Happy Hens shell eggs should discard them, sanitize contact surfaces, and seek medical care if symptoms appear.
• The 2026 egg safety news follows a pattern of heightened scrutiny that began with multiple investigations in 2025. [5]

What Eggs Are Being Recalled for Salmonella in 2026

The current recall centers on Happy Hens in-shell organic eggs produced at a farm in Ramona, San Diego County, California. [3] The California Department of Public Health announced the recall on September 8, 2026, after genetic testing connected the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis to eggs from this specific poultry operation. [2]

Affected products include:

• Brand: Happy Hens organic in-shell eggs
• Production site: Ramona, San Diego County, California
• Distribution: Regional markets in Southern California and direct farm sales
• Recall date: September 8, 2026 [2]

Consumers should check carton lot numbers and plant codes against information posted by the FDA and the Food Poisoning Bulletin for the most current product details. [1][10] This recall does not currently cover eggs from Kroger, H-E-B, or Marketside brands, though a separate 2026 egg recall linked to Midwest Poultry Services did affect Kroger cartons sold across 17 states. [9]

How Many People Got Sick, and Which States Are Affected

As of mid-September 2026, the Happy Hens salmonella outbreak has sickened 23 people, with 7 hospitalizations and no deaths reported. [2][7] The CDC and state investigators first detected the outbreak on July 28, 2026. [8]

Known illness locations include Del Mar, Jamul, La Mesa, Ramona, and one case in Riverside County. [3] There is no current evidence that this outbreak has spread nationwide; cases remain concentrated in Southern California. [3][8] However, reporting delays common in foodborne illness investigations mean additional cases may still be identified.

This event is distinct from the multistate salmonella outbreak linked to Midwest Poultry Services, which affected 17 states and sickened at least 98 people, resulting in 26 hospitalizations and a recall of more than 1.5 million dozen eggs. [8][6] That investigation, tracked under the FDA’s August 2025 outbreak page, is a separate case. [5]

Where Were the Recalled Eggs Sold

The recalled eggs were sold at regional markets supplied by the Happy Hens farm in Ramona and directly at the farm itself. [3] One confirmed exposure source was Ramona Family Naturals Market, where raw, unpasteurized Happy Hens eggs were used to make homemade mayonnaise, a dish that does not heat eggs to a temperature sufficient to kill salmonella. [3]

Stores affected by the broader 2026 egg recall news include outlets that stocked Midwest Poultry Services products, which reached Kroger locations across Texas, the Midwest, and 15 additional states. [9] For the Happy Hens recall specifically, consumers in Southern California who purchased large brown cage free or organic shell eggs from local natural food markets should verify their source.

The FDA food drug administration maintains a current outbreak investigation page with updated product and store information. [1]

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection from Eggs

Salmonella infection from contaminated eggs typically causes fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, usually appearing within 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. [2][8] Most healthy people recover within 4 to 7 days without medical treatment, but salmonella illness can become severe.

People at higher risk for serious illness include:

• Young children under age 5
• Adults aged 65 and older
• People with weakened immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV

If symptoms salmonella patients experience include bloody diarrhea, high fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or signs of dehydration, seek medical care promptly. [8] The CDC provides updated case count maps and health guidance for people who believe they may have been exposed. [8]

How to Tell If Your Eggs Are Part of the Recall

There is no reliable way to detect salmonella in an egg by sight, smell, or touch. Contaminated eggs look, smell, and feel completely normal. [2] The only way to know if your eggs are part of the recall is to check the brand name, lot number, and plant code printed on the carton against the official recall notice.

Steps to check your eggs:

1. Locate the plant code (a “P” number) and lot number on the bottom or side of the carton.
2. Compare these numbers to the information listed on the FDA outbreak investigation page. [1]
3. If you purchased eggs directly from Happy Hens farm or from a regional market in Southern California, treat them as potentially recalled until confirmed safe.
4. When in doubt, discard the eggs and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, or containers that contacted raw eggs.

What Should You Do If You Bought Recalled Eggs

If you have recalled eggs at home, do not eat them. The health.com coverage of the organic eggs recall and the FDA both advise discarding the product or returning it to the point of purchase for a refund. [1][2]

Additional steps recommended by public health officials:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the carton.
• Sanitize refrigerator shelves, drawers, and any surfaces that may have contacted the eggs.
• Do not use recalled eggs in any dish, including baked goods, sauces, or dressings.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you or anyone in your household develops symptoms consistent with salmonella infection within two weeks of consuming the eggs.

For questions about the recall, consumers can contact the FDA or their local health department. [1]

Can You Get Salmonella from Cooked Eggs

Properly cooked eggs do not pose a salmonella risk. Salmonella bacteria are killed when eggs reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). [8] The risk comes from raw or undercooked eggs, such as those used in homemade mayonnaise, soft-scrambled eggs, runny fried eggs, or lightly cooked custards.

The Ramona Family Naturals Market exposure in this outbreak is a clear example: raw Happy Hens eggs were used to make mayonnaise without cooking, which allowed any salmonella present to survive and sicken people. [3] Dishes using raw shell eggs from any poultry source carry inherent risk, particularly for people with weakened immune systems.

How to Safely Store Eggs and Reduce Salmonella Risk

Safe egg storage and handling significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. The FDA and CDC recommend the following practices for all eggs, not just recalled eggs. [1][8]

• Keep eggs refrigerated at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
• Store eggs in their original carton to protect them and retain lot number information.
• Use eggs within 3 to 5 weeks of purchase.
• Never wash eggs before storing; washing removes a natural protective coating.
• Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm.
• Avoid recipes that call for raw eggs unless using pasteurized eggs.

These practices apply to all shell eggs, including country eggs, large brown cage free varieties, and specialty products like Sunshine Omega-3 Golden or omega-3 golden yolk eggs.

The Broader 2026 Egg Safety Landscape

The Happy Hens recall is one of several egg safety events that have drawn federal and media attention in 2025 and 2026. [5][1] The FDA’s outbreak investigation for August 2025 documented a separate salmonella outbreak linked to eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services, Country Eggs LLC, and related operations. [5] That investigation involved Salmonella Enteritidis and resulted in a recall of more than 1.5 million dozen eggs, with the FDA assigning its highest-risk Class I recall status. [6]

Native News Online and other outlets reported on how local shoppers changed habits amid recalls tied to illness outbreaks, with many consumers switching to pasteurized eggs or avoiding eggs altogether during active outbreak periods. A search of recent food news shows the Midwest poultry services outbreak linked to eggs produced across Texas, the Midwest, and multiple states prompted significant regulatory scrutiny. [9][5]

Food safety advocates note that both the 2025 and 2026 investigations highlight gaps in biosecurity at small and mid-size poultry farms. If further testing finds contamination beyond currently identified lots, the scope of the Happy Hens recall could expand. [3][10] The country eggs llc and eggs llc entities involved in prior outbreaks faced extended production interruptions, a pattern that may repeat here.

FAQ: People Also Ask About the Egg Recall and Salmonella Outbreak

Which brands of eggs are being recalled?

As of September 2026, the primary brand subject to a salmonella-related recall is Happy Hens, an organic in-shell egg producer based in Ramona, California. [2][3] A separate earlier recall involved eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services and associated labels, which affected Kroger and other retailers across 17 states. [8][9] Consumers should check the FDA’s outbreak investigation page for the most current brand list.

Which states have had egg recalls due to Salmonella?

The Happy Hens salmonella outbreak and recall is concentrated in Southern California, with cases in San Diego and Riverside counties. [3] The separate Midwest Poultry Services outbreak affected at least 17 states, including Texas and states across the Midwest. [8][9] Consumers in any state who purchased eggs from affected brands should check lot numbers against current FDA recall notices. [1]

What eggs are being recalled right now?

Right now in 2026, the active recall covers Happy Hens in-shell organic eggs distributed in Southern California, announced September 8, 2026. [2][7] A prior recall tied to Midwest Poultry Services eggs, including products sold at Kroger stores, was issued in 2025 and 2026. [5][6] For the most current list of recalled eggs, visit the FDA food safety page or the CDC outbreak tracker. [1][8]

How can I tell if an egg has Salmonella?

You cannot tell if an egg has salmonella by looking at it, smelling it, or tasting it. Contaminated eggs appear completely normal. [2] The only reliable methods are laboratory testing or checking whether your eggs match a recalled lot number. To reduce risk, always cook eggs thoroughly until the yolk and white are fully set, and avoid raw-egg dishes made with non-pasteurized shell eggs. [8]

Conclusion

The eggs recalled as salmonella outbreak sickens 23 people story is an active public health situation requiring immediate consumer action. If you purchased Happy Hens organic eggs in Southern California, discard them now, sanitize your kitchen surfaces, and monitor your household for symptoms of salmonella infection. Contact the FDA or your local health department for the latest information and to report illness. [1]

Beyond this specific recall, the broader 2025 and 2026 egg safety news underscores a simple rule: cook all eggs thoroughly, store them properly, and stay informed through credible sources like the CDC and FDA. [8][5] Egg safety is not complicated, but it does require consistent habits, especially for households with young children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems.

References

[1] Outbreak Investigation Salmonella Eggs July 2026 – https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-eggs-july-2026

[2] Organic Eggs Recall September 2026 12122755 – https://www.health.com/organic-eggs-recall-september-2026-12122755

[3] NBC San Diego – Genetic Testing Links Regional Salmonella Outbreak to Ramona Farm Eggs – https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/genetic-testing-links-regional-salmonella-outbreak-ramona-farm-eggs-san-diego-county/4069830/

[4] 19 Million Eggs Voluntarily Recalled Potential Salmonella Contamination – https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/food/story/19-million-eggs-voluntarily-recalled-potential-salmonella-contamination-135028861

[5] Outbreak Investigation Salmonella Eggs August 2025 – https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-eggs-august-2025

[6] FDA Assigns Highest Risk Class I Status For Recall Of Nearly 1.6 Million Cartons Of Eggs – https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/6029894-fda-assigns-highest-risk-class-i-status-for-recall-of-nearly-1-6-million-cartons-of-eggs/

[7] Salmonella Outbreak Triggers Organic Egg Recall Over 20 Illnesses Reported – https://www.geo.tv/latest/682187-salmonella-outbreak-triggers-organic-egg-recall-over-20-illnesses-reported

[8] CDC Salmonella Outbreaks Shell Eggs – https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/shell-eggs-07-26/index.html

[9] Egg Recall 2026 Drug Resistant Salmonella Found Kroger Cartons Across 17 States – https://www.techtimes.com/articles/322731/20260802/egg-recall-2026-drug-resistant-salmonella-found-kroger-cartons-across-17-states.htm

[10] Foodborne Outbreaks – Food Poisoning Bulletin – https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/category/foodborne-outbreaks/