FDA Raises Salmonella-Linked Egg Recall to Highest Risk Level
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has raised the risk classification of an egg recall linked to a salmonella outbreak to Class I, its highest level. The designation means exposure to the recalled product carries a reasonable probability of causing serious health consequences or death.
Midwest Poultry Services recalled approximately 19 million eggs, or nearly 1.6 million dozen, on July 22. The eggs were produced at Texas farms between June 6 and July 3 and carry sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 through Aug. 17, 2026. They were distributed in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The recalled eggs were sold under the Country Morning, Cal-Maine Sunups, Brookshire’s, Simple Truth, and Kroger brands. Consumers can identify affected cartons by codes P-1950 or 0840962, along with Julian dates from 157 to 184. The FDA advises consumers to discard the eggs or return them to the retailer for a refund.
Farm samples tested positive for salmonella, and genetic sequencing linked some samples to the outbreak strain. However, the FDA said Midwest Poultry Services does not account for every reported illness, and investigators are examining whether other sources contributed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported at least 98 infections across 17 states, including 26 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. Salmonella symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Illness generally begins 12 to 72 hours after exposure and lasts four to seven days. Young children, older adults, and immunocompromised people face greater risk of severe illness.
Officials recommend washing hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw eggs or foods containing them. The egg investigation is continuing alongside other 2026 foodborne outbreaks, including salmonella cases linked to jalapeños and live animals, as health agencies work to identify contamination sources.