A nationwide salmonella outbreak is affecting mostly Californians. Here’s how to check your eggs

On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert about a salmonella outbreak that has so far sickened nearly 100 people across 14 states — almost 80% of them in California.

According to the CDC, the outbreak has been linked to cage-free eggs from Country Eggs, LLC, based in Lucerne Valley in San Bernardino County. On Wednesday, the company recalled its Large Brown Cage Free “Sunshine Yolks” eggs.

Seventy-three people in California have been sickened by the same strain of salmonella, a foodborne bacterial infection that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever and cramps. Nationwide, 18 of the 95 reported cases have required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported.

The affected eggs, which were sold throughout California and Nevada, have sell-by dates through Sept. 16. The CDC is urging anyone who might have them in their homes to throw them away and seek medical attention if they start experiencing salmonella symptoms.

Here’s what to know about the salmonella outbreak that’s been making Californians sick, how to spot the recalled eggs and what to know about the symptoms of salmonella.

How can I recognize the recalled eggs?

The recalled products from Country Eggs LLC were sold in California and Nevada as Large Brown Cage Free “Sunshine Yolks.” They may have also been labeled as “omega-3 golden yolks.”

The eggs were distributed between June 16 and July 9 to grocery stores and food service distributors. They were packaged in egg cartons bearing the brand names:

• Nagatoshi Produce
• Misuho
• Nijiya Markets

The code on these cartons reads “CA 7695” with the sell-by dates between July 1 and Sept. 18.

You can see the FDA’s gallery showing what the affected egg cartons look like.

I think I have one of these egg cartons. What now?

The CDC is clear: If you bought these eggs, throw them away. You can also return them to where you bought them.

The agency also recommends you use hot soapy water or a dishwasher to wash items or surfaces that may have touched the eggs.

If you run a business that has purchased these eggs, the CDC urges that you do not sell or serve them.

What if I think I might have eaten these eggs?

Symptoms of salmonella can show up anywhere from six hours to six days after you’re exposed to the bacteria that cause it.

The CDC recommends that you contact a healthcare provider if you have any of these severe symptoms of salmonella:

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
• Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting so severe that you cannot keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration.

People who get sick with salmonella usually have an illness that lasts between four to seven days. The CDC said that although most people recover without treatment, some people require hospitalization — and that children younger than 5, adults age 65 and older and immunocompromised are more at risk of serious illness from salmonella.