ATLANTA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis infections linked to Gravel Ridge Farms cage-free large eggs.

Cullman, Alabama-based Gravel Ridge issued a recall on Sept. 8 for packages of a dozen and 2.5 dozen eggs in cardboard containers with the UPC code 7-06970-38444-6. The recalled eggs also had “best if used by” dates of July 25, 2018, through Oct. 3, 2018.

According to the CDC, 14 people were infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella enteritidis in both Tennessee and Alabama. Two people have been hospitalized. 

The eggs were sold in grocery stores and restaurants in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

The CDC said that anyone who bought the eggs should return them to the purchased store or throw them away, regardless of the “best if used by” date. The agency said even if some eggs were eaten and no one got sick, do not eat them.

The CDC also wants consumers to wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in refrigerators where recalled eggs were stored.