Nearly 1.6 million cartons of eggs recalled over salmonella risk in multi-state outbreak

Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. recalled nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs produced at two Texas farms with sell-by dates from July 20 to August 17, 2026, distributed across several southern and southwestern states, officials said. The voluntary recall was initiated after environmental monitoring detected a potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination risk, according to the FDA.

The recall includes both white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced at two Midwest Poultry Services farms in Texas, officials said. The affected eggs were distributed under multiple major retail brands and private labels across at least six southern and southwestern states, including Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi, according to FDA reports and company notices. Retailers impacted by the recall include Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana and Brookshire Grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

The recalled eggs bear “sell-by” or “best-by” dates ranging from July 20 through August 17, 2026, with plant codes P-1950 or 840962 printed on the side of the cartons, according to the FDA.

Consumers are advised to check for three-digit Julian dates from 157 through 184 alongside the plant codes; only eggs matching all three identifiers—plant code, Julian date, and sell-by/best-by date—are included in the recall, Midwest Poultry Services and FDA notices state. Eggs produced outside these date ranges or bearing different plant codes are not subject to the recall.

Midwest Poultry Services announced the voluntary recall through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, emphasizing that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled eggs. The company has halted distribution of eggs produced at its Texas farms while investigations and corrective actions are underway, FDA communications confirmed. The recall was initiated after environmental monitoring and root-cause analysis detected potential contamination with Salmonella Enteritidis at the production sites.

Salmonella Enteritidis is a strain commonly linked to egg-related foodborne illness outbreaks, the FDA said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Salmonella infection typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after exposure, with illness lasting four to seven days. Severe cases can require hospitalization and pose increased risk to young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The recall removes nearly 19 million individual eggs from the market, a preventive measure designed to reduce the risk of future illnesses. Midwest Poultry Services advised consumers not to consume the recalled eggs and to return them to the original place of purchase for a full refund. Public health officials recommend discarding any eggs that match the recall identifiers and sanitizing any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with the eggs using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

In recent years, health authorities have monitored a wave of egg recalls linked to Salmonella contamination, including a multistate outbreak associated with August Egg Company’s brown cage-free and organic eggs that resulted in 79 to 134 illnesses, 21 to 38 hospitalizations, and one death. The FDA continues to work with egg producers on corrective actions and preventive controls following contamination findings, including enhanced environmental sampling, process improvements, and hygiene measures.

Consumers experiencing severe symptoms such as persistent high fever, bloody diarrhea, or prolonged vomiting after consuming eggs are advised to seek medical attention, according to CDC guidance. Retailers and food service establishments are instructed not to sell or serve recalled eggs and to thoroughly clean and sanitize equipment and food-contact surfaces potentially exposed to the recalled products.

Midwest Poultry Services’ voluntary recall and distribution halt come as part of ongoing efforts to address potential contamination risks identified through environmental monitoring, officials said. The FDA and company representatives continue to investigate the source of contamination and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.