The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a recall of 1,589,577 dozen eggs to its highest risk classification, Class I, citing potential salmonella contamination. The agency announced the reclassification on August 12, 2026, after identifying a link between the recalled eggs and a salmonella outbreak affecting at least 98 people across 17 states. The illnesses were reported between November 21, 2025, and June 30, 2026, with 26 hospitalizations but no reported deaths.
The recalled eggs, produced by Midwest Poultry Services, include white shell eggs and brown cage-free eggs with sell-by or best-by dates between July 20, 2026, and August 17, 2026. The eggs were distributed from Texas farms between June 6 and July 3, 2026, and were sold at retailers including Kroger stores in Louisiana and Texas and Brookshire Grocery stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
How to Identify Recalled Eggs
Consumers are advised to check egg cartons for specific identifying codes printed on the left or right sides. Only cartons with the codes P-1950 or 0840962 and a Julian date between 157 and 184 are affected. The FDA has urged consumers who purchased the eggs to discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the eggs should also be sanitized.
Salmonella Outbreak Details
The outbreak has been linked to Salmonella Enteritidis, a strain that can cause severe illness. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, with higher risks for young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. The CDC and FDA continue to investigate the source of contamination, though 91% of patients reported consuming eggs before falling ill.
Midwest Poultry Services initiated the recall on July 22, 2026, after identifying the issue through proactive environmental monitoring and root cause analysis. The company stated it had ceased distribution of fresh eggs from its Texas farms as of July 22, 2026.
FDA Classification and Response
The FDA classifies a Class I recall as a situation where there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The agency noted that firms often initiate recalls before the FDA completes its classification process, and the upgrade does not necessarily indicate a change in the scope of the recall. The FDA has reiterated its guidance for consumers to avoid consuming recalled eggs and to sanitize any contact surfaces.
Additional Context
This recall follows a broader pattern of food safety concerns in 2026, including voluntary recalls of jalapeño-containing products by companies such as Taylor Farms, Chipotle, QDOBA, and Whole Foods, due to potential salmonella contamination. The FDA has not confirmed whether these incidents are related.
For updates and further information, consumers are directed to the FDA’s official recall list or to contact the agency directly.