Salmonella Alert in the U.S.: 1.5 Million Cartons of Eggs Recalled
Posted on 08/07/26 at 23:30
- Salmonella outbreak affects 17 states.
- Millions of egg cartons recalled.
- Twenty-six people have been hospitalized.
A salmonella outbreak is under investigation by U.S. health authorities after 96 cases were reported across 17 states.
So far, 26 people have been hospitalized because of the infection.
Investigators traced the source to a producer in Texas, prompting a salmonella egg recall involving 1.5 million cartons of eggs.
Why it matters: Salmonella infection can easily be mistaken for a common stomach virus, and contaminated food may look, smell, and taste completely normal.
Salmonella Outbreak Spreads Across 17 States
The U.S. has recalled 1.5 million cartons of eggs because of salmonella: here’s what you need to do to avoid infection. https://t.co/6A52lnr2xI
— EL MUNDO (@elmundoes) August 6, 2026
Salmonellosis is one of the most common foodborne illnesses and is caused by Salmonella bacteria.
People typically become infected by eating contaminated food or through poor hygiene during food preparation.
One of the greatest challenges is that contaminated foods cannot be identified by appearance alone.
Affected products may retain their normal appearance, smell, and taste while still carrying the bacteria.
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Salmonella outbreaks are more common during the summer because warm temperatures encourage bacterial growth.
In addition, outdoor dining and barbecues can make it more difficult to maintain proper refrigeration and good hand hygiene.
According to Spain’s Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AESAN), certain foods require extra caution.
These include:
- Raw or undercooked eggs.
- Homemade mayonnaise and other sauces made with raw eggs.
- Soft-cooked omelets.
- Undercooked meat, especially chicken and turkey.
- Unpasteurized milk and cheese.
- Fruits, vegetables, and water exposed to contaminated surfaces or water sources.
Diarrhea, Fever, and Stomach Cramps Are the Main Symptoms
The most common symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Symptoms usually appear 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food.
Because these symptoms closely resemble those of viral gastroenteritis, laboratory testing is required to confirm the diagnosis, according to El Mundo.
Testing can identify whether the infection is caused by Salmonella, including common strains such as S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium, while also ruling out other foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter, E. coli, and Listeria.
Most people recover completely within about one week without long-term complications.
However, severe diarrhea can lead to dangerous dehydration requiring hospitalization and intravenous fluids.
If the bacteria spread beyond the digestive system, antibiotic treatment may become necessary.
Without prompt treatment, severe salmonella infections can become life-threatening.
How to Reduce the Risk of Salmonella Infection
Proper refrigeration is one of the most effective ways to prevent salmonella infection.
Eggs, raw poultry, and leftovers should never be left at room temperature.
Dairy products should also not remain unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Rapid refrigeration is especially important during hot weather, when bacteria multiply more quickly.
Consumers should also:
- Check storage instructions and expiration dates.
- Cook meat and eggs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or preparing them.
- Refrigerate homemade mayonnaise and sauces immediately.
- Choose foods prepared with pasteurized egg products when dining out.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Clean countertops, refrigerator shelves, and utensils that come into contact with raw meat or eggs.
Finally, monitoring public health alerts can help consumers identify recalled products and return or dispose of them promptly during a salmonella egg recall.
