If you live in Northern California, it’s time to check your refrigerator. A significant egg recall has been issued due to possible Salmonella contamination, affecting consumers in Sacramento, Davis, and surrounding areas.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
What’s Being Recalled?
The recall involves eggs distributed by Veg Farms of Dixon, California. The company voluntarily issued the recall on Friday, December 5th, after identifying potential contamination in a specific batch.
Affected products include:
- 12-count cartons and 30-count flats of eggs.
- Sell-by dates of December 22 or earlier (or Julian dates 328 and earlier).
- Look for the handler code 2136 on the packaging.
These eggs were distributed to local restaurants and farmers’ markets in the region.
What Caused the Contamination?
In a statement to local news, a Veg Farms spokesperson clarified that the issue was traced to processing equipment, not the farm’s chickens. The company estimates roughly 1,515 dozen eggs were affected.
Veg Farms has reported that all identified product has been removed from store shelves. They are urging consumers who may have purchased these eggs to dispose of them immediately.
What Are the Health Risks?
Salmonella is a serious bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. According to the FDA, symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after ingestion and can include:
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
While many healthy adults recover without treatment within a few days, the infection can be severe—even life-threatening—for young children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
What Should You Do?
- CHECK YOUR EGGS: Immediately inspect any eggs in your kitchen for the affected dates and handler code (2136).
- DO NOT CONSUME: If you have the recalled eggs, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed container to prevent cross-contamination.
- CLEAN THOROUGHLY: Wash any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have touched the recalled eggs with hot, soapy water.
- MONITOR FOR SYMPTOMS: If you believe you consumed a recalled product and are experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
The Bigger Picture
As of this writing, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. However, this incident is part of a broader trend. Just this month, Wegmans recalled mixed nuts over similar Salmonella concerns.
These events highlight the critical importance of paying attention to food recall notices and practicing safe food handling.
Stay informed and stay safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
