AI-written summary of reporting by New York Post. No human editor reviewed this. AI can misread or omit facts — read the original, linked below.
ABSTRACT

Happy Hens, a California egg producer, has voluntarily recalled eggs over concerns they may be contaminated with salmonella. The California Department of Public Health is warning consumers about the potential contamination following an outbreak that sickened 23 people between June 21 and August 16.

New York Post

California egg producer recalls products after salmonella outbreak sickens 23

California egg producer recalls products after salmonella outbreak sickens 23
Sep 12, 2026, 4:51 PM

Happy Hens, a California egg producer, has voluntarily recalled eggs over concerns they may be contaminated with salmonella. The California Department of Public Health is warning consumers about the potential contamination following an outbreak that sickened 23 people between June 21 and August 16.

Context

An investigation by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, which included interviews with people who became ill, traced the outbreak to the farm. Health officials have linked the outbreak to people eating Happy Hens eggs or foods prepared with them, including mayonnaise made by a Ramona market using raw eggs supplied by Happy Hens.

The recalled eggs have sell-by dates of September 10, September 13 and September 24. The recalled eggs were sold in a range of sizes, from dozen- and 18-count cartons to 20- and 30-count flats. The recall also includes 15-dozen cases distributed to foodservice customers.

The FDA inspected Happy Hens and collected samples from August 17 through August 20. Two samples taken from the poultry housing tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Salmonella symptoms can include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, typically appearing anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure. Illness generally lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment, though severe cases can lead to hospitalization. Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and those with weaker immune systems have a higher risk of developing severe illness.

All Perspectives
Happy Hens co-owner Chloe Nevarez (August 17, before recall): On August 17, Nevarez said she did not believe there was evidence at the time connecting the farm's eggs to the illnesses. She stated the farm's chickens had not tested positive for salmonella before the county announced the outbreak. In an Instagram post, she said: "They've publicly announced this information, 100% unfounded, not a shred of evidence, not a shred of testing done." She added that the farm routinely tests its chickens for salmonella.
California Department of Public Health and San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency: Health officials traced the outbreak to Happy Hens farm following an investigation that included interviews with people who became ill. Testing by the FDA found salmonella in samples from the poultry housing.
Gaps & Unknowns
  • The source does not state the total number of people who sought medical care or were hospitalized from the outbreak.
  • The source does not identify the specific retail locations or chains where the recalled eggs were sold.
  • The source does not provide the full name or title of Chloe Nevarez or identify any other owners or operators of Happy Hens.
  • The source does not state how many farms or producers supply eggs to the market that made the contaminated mayonnaise.
  • The source does not specify the current status of the investigation or when results are expected.
Sources & Further Reading
  1. New York Post — original

Read the original at New York Post

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