SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2025) — A Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak in California has been linked to recalled Vega Farms in-shell brown eggs, with state health officials reporting 63 illnesses and 13 hospitalizations (and no deaths) tied to the outbreak strain as of Dec. 5, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). California Department of Public Health
The recall centers on eggs distributed in Northern California—primarily the Sacramento and Davis areas—and sold not only through retail outlets but also supplied to restaurants and farmers markets, officials said. California Department of Public Health
What’s driving the warning: testing, inspection, and a genetic match
CDPH says it worked with local health departments and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to investigate the outbreak. After identifying the supplier, the agencies inspected Vega Farms, collected egg and environmental samples, and found multiple samples positive for Salmonella. CDPH also said whole genome sequencing showed Salmonella in at least one sample matched the strain found in sick individuals, strengthening the link between the eggs and the outbreak. California Department of Public Health
Vega Farms voluntarily recalled the eggs on Dec. 5, and CDPH says it is coordinating with local jurisdictions to help ensure recalled products are not still available to consumers. California Department of Public Health
Which eggs are recalled: the exact codes, dates, and package sizes
Consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators and any eggs purchased recently in the Sacramento–Davis corridor. The recalled products are described by CDPH as:
- Product: Vega Farms brown eggs
- Handler code:2136
- Julian date:328 and prior (a three-digit day-of-year code)
- Sell-by dates:12-22-25 and prior
- Package sizes:1-dozen cartons and 30-egg flats
- Foodservice packaging:15-dozen cases (6 flats of 30 eggs each) California Department of Public Health
Health.com’s Dec. 15 coverage also highlighted the same identifiers, emphasizing the handler code and the Julian/sell-by date ranges consumers should look for on packaging. Health
Where the recalled eggs were sold: confirmed retail locations in Sacramento and Davis
CDPH posted a retail distribution list naming stores and campus markets that received recalled product. The list includes: California Department of Public Health
- Davis Food Co-op — 620 G St., Davis
- Sacramento Foods Co-op — 2820 R St., Sacramento
- Sage Market — 201 Sage St., Davis
- Segundo Market — One Shields Ave., Davis
- Taylor’s Market — 2900 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento
- Tercero DC — 237 Tercero Hall Cir., Davis
- UC Davis Cuarto Market — 550 Oxford Cir., #1st, Davis California Department of Public Health
Important note: CDPH also said the eggs were sold to restaurants and were available through farmers markets, which can make exposure harder to trace if consumers didn’t buy a carton directly at a grocery store. California Department of Public Health
How many eggs are involved—and what Vega Farms has said about the source
As of Dec. 15 reporting, the recall covers about 1,515 dozen eggs (more than 18,000 individual eggs). Health
According to People’s Dec. 15 report, a Vega Farms spokesperson told local outlet KCRA that processing equipment—not the chickens themselves—was the contamination source for the roughly 1,515 dozen eggs affected. People
Fox Business similarly reported that the contamination originated from processing equipment and that the farm’s flocks were not impacted, citing KCRA. Fox Business
What to do if you bought these eggs
CDPH’s guidance is straightforward: do not eat, serve, or sell the recalled eggs. California Department of Public Health
If you’re a consumer
- Stop using the eggs immediately.
- Throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. California Department of Public Health
- Wash and sanitize any items or surfaces that may have touched the eggs (countertops, shelves, refrigerator drawers, containers) using hot soapy water or a dishwasher when appropriate. California Department of Public Health
CDPH also says anyone who finds the recalled eggs still for sale should report it to the CDPH Complaint Hotline (800) 495-3232 (or via CDPH’s electronic reporting option). California Department of Public Health
For product questions, CDPH’s recall information sheet lists an additional consumer contact: Ramsi Vega at (530) 400-9505 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). California Department of Public Health
If you’re a business (restaurants, markets, foodservice)
- Do not sell or serve any eggs matching the recall identifiers. California Department of Public Health
- Sanitize prep areas, storage spaces, and equipment that may have contacted the eggs. California Department of Public Health
Salmonella symptoms: what to watch for and when to get help
CDPH says Salmonella symptoms typically begin six hours to six days after exposure, and commonly include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Illness often lasts four to seven days, and many people recover without medical treatment—but some cases can be severe enough to require hospitalization. California Department of Public Health
CDPH also warns that children under 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill. California Department of Public Health
CDC guidance on Salmonella adds practical “when to call a doctor” red flags—such as diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than two days, bloody stool, fever higher than 102°F, or signs of dehydration. CDC
If you ate eggs that might be affected and develop symptoms, CDPH advises contacting a healthcare provider. California Department of Public Health
How to reduce risk at home: safer egg handling while the recall unfolds
Even if your eggs are not part of this recall, food safety experts consistently recommend steps that reduce Salmonella risk:
- Cook eggs until yolks and whites are firm. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Cook egg dishes (like casseroles, quiche, and frittatas) to 160°F (71°C). Foodsafety
- For recipes that use raw or undercooked eggs (some dressings, homemade ice cream, certain desserts), use pasteurized eggs or egg products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
These steps won’t “fix” recalled eggs—you should still discard or return recalled product—but they can help reduce risk from everyday cooking and holiday baking when egg use spikes.
What happens next
State agencies say they are continuing to work with local jurisdictions and supporting the firm with guidance to eliminate Salmonella and prevent future outbreaks. California Department of Public Health
For now, public health officials are focused on two urgent goals: keeping recalled eggs out of circulation and encouraging anyone who might have bought them—especially in the Sacramento and Davis areas—to check codes, stop consumption, sanitize surfaces, and monitor for symptoms. California Department of Public Health
