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Urgent Egg Recall: Salmonella Outbreak – Check Your Fridge Now
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Safe
What Happened? The Big Picture
IMPORTANT ALERT
A multistate salmonella outbreak has been linked to eggs from a Texas producer. As of now, 98 people have gotten sick and 26 have been hospitalized across 17 states. The eggs have been recalled, but they might still be in your refrigerator. Check your eggs now!
What Is Salmonella? (ELI5 Explanation)
Imagine tiny, invisible germs that live in the intestines of animals and people. Salmonella is a group of these germs (bacteria). When you swallow them, they can make you sick with an illness called salmonellosis (most people just call it "salmonella").
How Do You Catch It?
According to the CDC, you can get salmonella by:
- Eating contaminated food (this is the #1 way in the U.S.)
- Drinking contaminated water
- Touching animals, their poop, or where they live (like chicken coops)
Fun (But Scary) Facts:
- There are thousands of types of Salmonella, but only a few make people sick.
- Warm weather makes bacteria grow faster → more sickness in summer.
- For every 1 person diagnosed, ~29 others have it but never go to the doctor (they think it’s just a stomach bug).
The Current Outbreak: All the Details
Who, What, Where?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Source | Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. (Texas) |
| Recall Size | 1.5+ million dozen eggs |
| Brands Recalled | Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Cal-Maine, Country Morning |
| States Shipped To | Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico |
| Egg Carton Sizes | 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 60 eggs |
| "Best By" Dates | July 20 – August 17, 2026 |
| Carton Codes | P-1950 or 0840962 |
DO YOU HAVE THESE EGGS?
Throw them away immediately or return them to the store. Then wash any surfaces they touched with hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher.
Bonus Alert: Chipotle Jalapeños
Chipotle has also pulled jalapeños nationwide due to a separate salmonella outbreak (100+ sick in Minnesota). Always wash produce!
How to Protect Yourself: 6 Simple Steps
The CDC recommends these everyday habits to avoid salmonella:
-
Refrigerate Promptly
Don’t leave eggs, chicken, or leftovers out—especially in heat. Bacteria multiply fast! -
Cook Thoroughly (165°F / 74°C)
Eggs and chicken must reach 165°F inside to kill Salmonella.
Use a food thermometer to be sure. -
Wash Your Hands
Soap + water after touching raw eggs, meat, or produce. Before eating or cooking. -
Sanitize Surfaces
Clean countertops, fridge shelves, anything raw food touched.
DIY Sanitizer: 1 tsp liquid chlorine bleach + 1 quart water.
(Don’t like bleach? Many store-bought cleaners work too.) -
Check for Recalls
Stay updated (like reading this article!) and toss/return recalled items. - Wash Your Produce
Rinse jalapeños, veggies, fruit—even if you’ll cook them.
Tools That Help Keep Your Kitchen Safe
These products make the steps above easier:
| Product | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Lysol Pro Kitchen Antibacterial Spray | Kills 99.9% of bacteria (including Salmonella) on contact. Great for wiping counters & fridge shelves after handling eggs. |
| TempPro TempSwift Digital Thermometer | Gives accurate temp in seconds. Stick it in eggs/chicken to confirm 165°F—no guesswork! |
| iDesign Clear Plastic Egg Holder (21-egg) | Keeps eggs contained & separate from other foods. Less chance of drips or cross-contamination in your fridge. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you get salmonella?
Most people get: diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps.
High-risk groups (kids under 5, adults 65+, weakened immune systems) may get very sick and need hospitalization.
Call a doctor RIGHT AWAY if you have:
- Fever > 102°F with diarrhea
- Diarrhea > 2 days (no improvement)
- Bloody diarrhea
- Can’t keep liquids down (vomiting)
- Signs of dehydration: peeing less, dry mouth, dizzy when standing
How long does salmonella last?
- Symptoms start: 12–72 hours after exposure
- Sickness lasts: 4–7 days (most recover without treatment)
- Diarrhea may linger days longer; bowel habits can take months to fully normalize
- You can still spread it in your poop for weeks after feeling better → keep washing hands!
Can I eat eggs that look and smell fine?
No. Salmonella doesn’t change the look, smell, or taste of eggs. Only proper cooking (165°F) kills it. If your eggs match the recall, toss them.
Is it safe to eat runny yolks or sunny-side-up eggs during an outbreak?
Not recommended. Runny yolks mean the egg didn’t reach 165°F. During an outbreak (or for high-risk people), cook yolks firm.
What if I already ate recalled eggs?
Watch for symptoms (diarrhea, fever, cramps) for 3 days. Stay hydrated. If you’re high-risk or symptoms are severe, call your doctor.
Summary: Your Action Plan Right Now
- Check your fridge for eggs with codes P-1950 or 0840962 and "Best By" July 20 – Aug 17, 2026.
- Toss or return any matching cartons.
- Scrub shelves, containers, hands with hot soapy water.
- Cook all eggs & chicken to 165°F (use a thermometer!).
- Wash hands & produce every time.
- Stay informed—check for future recalls.
Why Trust This Info?
This article is based on official CDC investigation data and reporting by NBC News health journalists. The author is a commerce editor at NBC Selected who regularly covers wellness and safety topics, citing primary sources like the CDC, Cleveland Clinic, and Mayo Clinic.
Stay safe, stay informed, and happy (safe) cooking!
