The Hilmar-based company recalled 1.7 million dozen brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs distributed to retail stores in California and Nevada, including Safeway, Raley’s, Food 4 Less, Lucky, Save Mart, FoodMaxx and Ralphs.

More than 70 people across seven states have been sickened due to a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs recalled by a California-based egg distributor, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The recall, initiated by the August Egg Company based in Hilmar, California, follows reports of 79 illnesses across seven states, with 21 hospitalisations.