Key facts
- The FDA has classified a July egg recall as Class I, indicating the highest health risk.
- The recall involves approximately 19 million eggs produced in Texas between June 6 and July 3, 2026.
- The affected eggs were distributed to six states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
- Salmonella Enteritidis contamination was confirmed in samples from the farms.
- The outbreak linked to these eggs has caused at least 98 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations across 17 states.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a recall of nearly 20 million eggs to its highest risk classification, Class I, due to concerns over Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. This designation signifies a "reasonable probability" that exposure to the violative product could lead to "serious adverse health consequences or death."
The recall, initially issued by Midwest Poultry Services on July 22, involves eggs produced in Texas between June 6 and July 3, 2026, with sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 to August 17, 2026. These eggs were distributed to retail and foodservice customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, and were sold under various brand names including Kroger, Simple Truth, and Brookshire's.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the salmonella outbreak linked to these eggs has infected at least 98 people across 17 states, leading to 26 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, with higher risks for young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Consumers who may have purchased the recalled eggs are advised by the FDA to discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. The affected products can be identified by codes P-1950 or 0840962 with Julian dates between 157 and 184. The FDA also recommends thorough hand washing and cleaning of surfaces that come into contact with raw eggs.
The FDA's reclassification comes as health officials continue to investigate other foodborne illness outbreaks, including one linked to jalapeños and another to iceberg lettuce.