What steps should be taken if eggs you purchased are part of a salmonella recall?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

If your eggs are part of a Salmonella recall, do not eat them. Return the eggs to the store where you purchased them for a full refund. Salmonella can cause serious illness, including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, typically appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure.

If you've already consumed recalled eggs or are experiencing symptoms, it's important to act quickly. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and certain groups—young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems—face higher risks of complications. Rather than guessing whether your symptoms are serious or waiting hours for a doctor's appointment, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Check if your symptoms suggest salmonella Discover how serious your symptoms may be Find possible causes of food poisoning symptoms See OTC relief for nausea and diarrhea Find a doctor for foodborne illness care Learn proven home remedies for salmonella Understand if you need urgent treatment

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Explanation

When eggs are part of a Salmonella recall, it means they might make people sick. Here are steps you should take:

Do not eat the eggs. Eating eggs that are recalled can cause illness.
Return the eggs to the store. You can usually get your money back if you bring them back.
Wash your hands and surfaces. If you touched the eggs, wash your hands well with soap and water. Clean any surfaces the eggs touched to keep your kitchen safe.

It's important to follow these steps to keep you and your family healthy. Recalls happen to protect people from getting sick, and by following these instructions, you help prevent illness. If you're experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after consuming recalled eggs, use a free symptom checker to understand what might be causing your symptoms and whether you should seek medical care. Remember, food safety is very important, especially when it comes to eggs and other foods that can carry germs.

(References)

Kuehn BM. (2010). Salmonella Cases Traced to Egg Producers. JAMA, 20858872.
Frisby BN, Veil SR, & Sellnow TL. (2014). Instructional messages during health-related crises. Health communication, 23799808.
Blickem ER, Bell JW, Baumgartel M, & DeBeer J. (2025). USDA Food Recalls for the Period 2012-2023 Compared .... Journal of food protection, 40139505.

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