Why Are Eggs Being Recalled? What to Know About the 2026 Salmonella Recall

The FDA has escalated a massive egg recall to a Class I designation, the agency’s most severe alert level. This classification indicates that consuming the affected products carries a reasonable probability of causing serious health issues or death.

The recall involves over 1.5 million dozen eggs—totaling more than 19 million individual units—produced by Midwest Poultry Services. The products in question include both white and brown cage-free varieties sourced from two specific farms in Texas.

Scope of the Outbreak

While the company initially launched a voluntary recall after routine testing flagged potential salmonella, the situation has grown more urgent. Federal officials have linked these eggs to a multistate outbreak that has already sickened 98 people across 17 states, resulting in 26 hospitalizations.

The company stated that "producing safe, quality food for those who eat our eggs is our highest priority," noting they have diverted stock for pasteurization and launched an internal probe to find the contamination source.

Affected Brands and Retailers

The recalled eggs were distributed under several major labels including Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, and Sunups. These were sold primarily in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Mississippi.

To identify affected cartons, consumers should look for plant codes P-1950 or 0840962. The recall covers Julian dates ranging from 157 to 184, with sell-by dates marked between July 20 and August 17, 2026.

Health Risks and Safety Measures

Salmonella symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. While many recover quickly, the infection can be life-threatening for the elderly, young children, or those with compromised immune systems.

Health officials advise anyone holding these eggs to discard them immediately or return them to the store for a refund. It is also crucial to sanitize any surfaces or utensils that may have touched the contaminated products to prevent further spread.