FDA Issues Highest Alert: Egg Recall Over Deadly Salmonella
FDA Upgrades Egg Recall to Highest Risk Level: What You Need to Know
The Big News
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has just upgraded an egg recall to its most serious warning level — called a Class I recall. This means there’s a real chance that eating these eggs could make you very sick or even be life-threatening.
IMPORTANT ALERT
This is the FDA’s highest risk level. If you have these eggs, do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store immediately.
What Happened?
The Recall Basics
- Company: Midwest Poultry Services
- Product: 1.6 million brown and white eggs
- First Recall Date: Late July 2026
- Upgraded to Class I: August 2026
- Reason: Possible Salmonella Enteritidis contamination
Where Did These Eggs Come From?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Produced at farms in | Texas |
| Production dates | June 6, 2026 – July 3, 2026 |
| Sell-by / Best-by dates | July 20, 2026 – August 17, 2026 |
| Sold in these states | Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Mississippi |
Where Were They Sold?
- Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana
- Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi
- Foodservice and retail customers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana
How to Check If Your Eggs Are Recalled
Look at the side of the egg carton for these codes:
- Plant code:
P-1950OR0840962 - Julian date (day of the year): between 157 and 184
WHAT’S A JULIAN DATE?
It’s just the day number of the year. For example:
- 157 = June 6
- 184 = July 3
You’ll see it printed as a 3-digit number on the carton.
Not sure? Check the FDA recall page or call 574-405-9531.
The Salmonella Outbreak: By the Numbers
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) confirmed this recall is linked to a real outbreak:
- 98 people got sick across 17 states
- 26 people were hospitalized
- No deaths reported (thankfully!)
What Is Salmonella? (ELI5 Version)
Think of Salmonella as tiny invisible germs that live in some foods — especially raw eggs, chicken, and unwashed produce. If you eat them, they can make your stomach very unhappy.
Common Symptoms (Usually Start 6 Hours – 6 Days After Eating)
- Diarrhea (runny poop)
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
Who’s at Highest Risk?
These groups can get much sicker and may need hospital care:
- Children under 5
- Adults over 65
- People with weakened immune systems (from illness, medicine, or treatment)
What Should YOU Do Right Now?
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check your fridge for eggs with the codes above
- If they match — DO NOT EAT THEM
- Throw them away in a sealed bag OR return to the store for a refund
- Wash everything the eggs touched:
- Countertops
- Fridge shelves
- Egg cartons
- Your hands!
- Use hot, soapy water or run items through the dishwasher
- Watch for symptoms if you already ate them
- Call your doctor if you’re in a high-risk group or symptoms get bad
Other Food Outbreaks Happening Right Now
The FDA wants you to know about two other ongoing outbreaks:
| Outbreak | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclosporiasis (causes explosive diarrhea) | Iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms | Recalled, spread to 47+ states |
| Salmonella (different strain) | Jalapeños | ~350 people sick — Whole Foods recalled items with jalapeños |
NOTE: The Whole Foods jalapeño recall is precautionary — no illnesses linked to their products yet.
Summary
- FDA raised egg recall to Class I — highest danger level
- 1.6 million eggs from Midwest Poultry Services (Texas farms)
- Sold at Kroger & Brookshire stores in 6 states
- Check for codes P-1950 or 0840962 + Julian date 157–184
- 98 sick, 26 hospitalized from Salmonella
- Throw away or return matching eggs immediately
- Wash everything with hot, soapy water
- High-risk groups: kids under 5, adults 65+, immunocompromised
- Two other outbreaks also happening (lettuce & jalapeños)
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: I ate some of these eggs but feel fine. Should I worry?
A: Most people get sick within 6 hours to 6 days. If it’s been over a week and you’re fine, you’re likely okay. But if you’re in a high-risk group, call your doctor just to be safe.
Q: Can I cook the eggs really well to kill the germs?
A: NO. The FDA says do not eat, cook, or use them at all. It’s not worth the risk — just toss them.
Q: How do I know if my eggs are from the recalled batch?
A: Look at the carton side for:
- Plant code: P-1950 or 0840962
- Julian date: 157 through 184
If both match, they’re recalled.
Q: Will the store give me a refund without a receipt?
A: Most stores will refund recalled items even without a receipt. Call ahead to confirm their policy.
Q: Are other Midwest Poultry products affected?
A: No. The company says only these specific eggs are recalled. Other products are safe.
Stay Safe & Stay Informed
Food recalls happen, but knowing what to do protects you and your family. Bookmark the FDA recalls page and check it now and then — it only takes a minute!
When in doubt: Throw it out.