A Salmonella outbreak linked to Happy Hens eggs has sickened 23 people in California, including seven who have been hospitalized, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced Friday.1 No deaths have been reported.

Happy Hens voluntarily recalled certain packages of its in-shell organic eggs on Sept. 8.

The recall followed a routine FDA inspection of the Happy Hens farm. Two samples collected from poultry housing sites tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis, and genetic analysis showed that the bacteria matched the strain found in people who became sick.

Which Eggs Were Recalled?

The CDPH is warning people not to eat, serve, or sell in-shell organic eggs distributed by Happy Hens.

Details for the recalled eggs are below:1

• Product description: In-shell organic eggs (all grades and sizes)
• Egg handler code: CA-0677
• Lot/date codes:
  • 223 Sell By Sep 10
  • 226 Sell By Sep 13
  • 237 Sell By Sep 24
• Brand name: Happy Hens
• Package sizes:
  • Consumer: 1-dozen carton, 18-count carton, 20-count flats, 30-count flats
  • Food Service: 15-dozen cases (contains 6 flats with 30 eggs each)

The eggs were distributed to restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers markets in Southern California and along the Central Coast. They were also available for purchase directly from the Happy Hens farm in Ramona, California.

What You Should Do

The CDPH says consumers should look for the recalled eggs at home. If found, the eggs should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

No one should eat or serve the recalled eggs, and businesses should not sell them. Any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the eggs should be washed and sanitized using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

Additionally, anyone who becomes sick after eating the recalled eggs should contact a healthcare provider. Symptoms of a Salmonella infection can begin six hours to six days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

Most people can recover from a Salmonella infection without treatment, but others—including young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems—may have severe symptoms that require treatment or hospitalization.