Egg Recall Grows Amid Salmonella, Price Probe

A multistate salmonella outbreak has led to a recall of nearly 2 million cartons of eggs produced by August Egg Company, affecting nine states including Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming. As of June 6, at least 79 people have become ill and 21 have been hospitalized, with no deaths reported. The recall includes organic, cage-free brown, and omega-3 eggs sold under various brands at retailers such as Walmart, Safeway, FoodMaxx, and others, with plant codes P-6562 or CA5330 and Julian dates 032 to 126. Consumers are advised to discard or return the eggs, clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with them, and monitor for symptoms, particularly among vulnerable groups. The outbreak has increased concerns about food safety and egg prices, which are being investigated for possible price manipulation amid ongoing avian flu challenges. August Egg Company is investigating the source and diverting potentially contaminated eggs for pasteurization.