Salmonella outbreak linked to Happy Hens Brand Eggs leads to voluntary recall of potentially contaminated eggs
What You Need to Know: The California Department Public Health (CDPH) is warning consumers and businesses not to eat, serve, or sell recalled Happy Hens brand in-shell eggs due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Consumers should throw away recalled eggs or return to place of purchase for a refund. Consumers should contact their healthcare provider if they become sick with symptoms of Salmonella infection within 7 days of eating this product.
September 12, 2026 - SACRAMENTO – CDPH is working with local health departments, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to consumption of Happy Hens eggs and products containing Happy Hens eggs.
On September 8, 2026, Happy Hens, located in Ramona, CA, voluntarily recalled Happy Hens brand eggs. CDPH is warning people not to eat, serve, or sell the recalled in-shell eggs distributed by Happy Hens. Happy Hens eggs were distributed to restaurants, grocery stores, and farmer’s markets, in Southern California and the Central Coast, and available for sale directly at the farm in Ramona, California. CDPH is partnering with local health jurisdictions to ensure recalled products are not available for purchase by consumers. CDPH, CDFA, and FDA are supporting the company with guidance and resources to eliminate Salmonella and prevent future outbreaks.
Happy Hens recalled eggs details:
- 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
- Foodservice: 15-dozen cases (contains 6 flats with 30 eggs each)
As of September 8, 2026, 23 California residents have been reported as part of this outbreak. There have been seven hospitalizations and no deaths reported. Illness onset dates range from June 21 through August 16, 2026. Because this outbreak is considered ongoing, additional recent illnesses linked to this outbreak may still be identified.
Investigation and interviews of ill persons conducted by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency identified Happy Hens brand eggs as the outbreak source. From August 17 to 20, 2026, the FDA conducted a routine inspection at the Happy Hens farm and collected environmental samples for testing. Two samples from poultry housing sites tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis. Whole genome sequencing analysis revealed that the Salmonella in these environmental samples matched the Salmonella strain found in sick individuals.
What You Can Do
- Consumers should look for recalled eggs at home. If found, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
- Businesses should not sell or serve any of the recalled eggs.
- Consumers and businesses should wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
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Anyone finding these products for sale should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232 or submit an electronic report to CDPH’s Food and Drug Branch.
- Always handle and cook eggs properly to prevent illness from Salmonella:
- Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm.
- Cook dishes made with eggs to at least 160°F.
- Wash your hands and items that come in contact with raw eggs and eggshells with hot soapy water.
- Use only pasteurized eggs if they are to be consumed raw or undercooked.
Consumers who become sick after eating the recalled eggs should call their health care provider. Salmonella infection symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Illness typically lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without medical treatment. But for some people, the symptoms may be so severe that treatment or hospitalization is needed. Children younger than 5 years of age, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to get very sick.
Sample Package Photos
For more information on the in-shell egg recall, Salmonella infection (salmonellosis), and egg safety, visit:
