FDA Issues Highest Alert: Egg Recall Over Deadly Salmonella Risk
FDA Upgrades Egg Recall to Highest Risk Level: What You Need to Know
What Happened?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded an egg recall to Class I—its highest risk level. This means there is a reasonable probability that eating these eggs could cause serious health problems or even death.
The recall was first announced in late July 2026 by Midwest Poultry Services. Now, with confirmed illnesses linked to the eggs, the FDA is sounding the alarm louder.
Which Eggs Are Recalled?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Producer | Midwest Poultry Services |
| Quantity | 1.6 million eggs (brown and white) |
| Production Dates | June 6, 2026 – July 3, 2026 |
| Sell-By / Best-By Dates | July 20, 2026 – August 17, 2026 |
| States Sold In | Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Mississippi |
| Stores | Kroger (TX, LA), Brookshire Grocery (all listed states), foodservice & retail customers |
IMPORTANT: HOW TO IDENTIFY RECALLED EGGS
Check the side of the carton for:
- Plant Code:
P-1950OR0840962- Julian Date: Between 157 and 184 (this is the day of the year the eggs were packed)
Example: A carton with
P-1950and Julian date165is part of the recall.Full list of codes on the FDA recall site
Questions? Call Midwest Poultry Services at 574-405-9531
Why Is This Dangerous?
The eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacteria that causes food poisoning.
The Outbreak So Far (CDC Data)
- 98 confirmed illnesses across 17 states
- 26 hospitalizations
- No deaths reported (as of the latest update)
What Is Salmonella? (Simple Explanation)
Salmonella is a type of bacteria (tiny germs you can’t see) that lives in the intestines of animals and humans. When it gets into food—like eggs—it can make you sick.
Common Symptoms (Usually start 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food)
- Diarrhea (can be bloody)
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Sometimes: nausea, vomiting, headache
Most People Recover in 4–7 Days Without Treatment
HIGH-RISK GROUPS – SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF SYMPTOMS APPEAR:
- Children under 5 years old
- Adults 65 and older
- People with weakened immune systems (cancer treatment, HIV, transplant patients, certain medications)
- Pregnant women
For these groups, Salmonella can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and become life-threatening.
What Should You Do Right Now?
Follow these 4 steps immediately:
1 Check Your Eggs
Look at every carton in your fridge. Compare the plant code and Julian date to the recall info above.
2 If They Match – DO NOT EAT THEM
- Throw them away in a sealed bag (so animals/people can’t get to them)
- OR return them to the store for a full refund
3 Clean Everything They Touched
Salmonella spreads easily. Wash with hot, soapy water or run through the dishwasher:
- Refrigerator shelves/drawers
- Countertops
- Bowls, utensils, plates
- Hands! (Wash for 20 seconds with soap)
4 Watch for Symptoms
If you or a family member ate the eggs recently, monitor for diarrhea, fever, or cramps. Call a doctor if:
- Diarrhea lasts more than 3 days
- Fever over 102°F (38.9°C)
- Blood in stool
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, little pee, dizziness)
Other Food Recalls Happening Right Now
This egg recall isn’t the only one. Stay aware of these ongoing outbreaks:
| Food | Issue | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Iceberg Lettuce (Taylor Farms) | Cyclospora parasite → "explosive diarrhea" | Recalled, 47 states affected |
| Jalapeños | Salmonella | ~350 people sickened nationwide |
| Whole Foods Prepared Foods (with jalapeños) | Precautionary recall linked to above | No illnesses reported from Whole Foods products yet |
Tip: Check FDA.gov/recalls weekly for updates.
Summary
- FDA Class I Recall = Highest danger level
- 1.6 million eggs from Midwest Poultry Services (Texas farms)
- Sold in 6 states at Kroger, Brookshire Grocery, and foodservice
- Identify by: Plant code
P-1950or0840962+ Julian date 157–184 - 98 sick, 26 hospitalized from Salmonella
- Action: Trash or return eggs, scrub surfaces, watch for symptoms
- High-risk people: Call doctor at first sign of illness
FAQ
1. My eggs don’t have a plant code or Julian date. Are they safe?
Most commercial eggs have these codes. If yours don’t, they may be from a small local farm or repackaged. When in doubt, throw them out—especially if bought in the affected states/stores during the recall window.
2. Can I cook the eggs to kill Salmonella?
Cooking eggs thoroughly (until yolk and white are firm, 160°F/71°C) kills Salmonella. However, the FDA says do not use recalled eggs at all—cross-contamination risk during cracking/prep is too high.
3. What is a Julian date?
It’s the day of the year (1–365). Example: January 1 = 001, June 6 = 157, July 3 = 184. The recall covers Julian dates 157 through 184.
4. I ate some recalled eggs but feel fine. Should I worry?
Most healthy adults recover without treatment. Monitor for symptoms for 6 days. If you’re in a high-risk group, call your doctor even if you feel okay—early treatment helps.
5. Will the store give me a refund without a receipt?
Yes. For FDA Class I recalls, stores typically refund without a receipt. Bring the carton (or a photo of the codes) to customer service.
Stay safe, check your cartons, and when in doubt—throw it out!