More than 1.5 million dozen eggs have been recalled across multiple states after testing identified potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, prompting federal health officials to warn consumers not to eat affected products.
Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. voluntarily recalled 1,589,577 dozen white shell eggs and brown cage-free eggs produced at its Texas facilities. The recall affects eggs distributed between June 6 and July 3 with sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 through Aug. 17.
The recalled eggs reached grocery stores, foodservice customers and smaller retailers in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and New Mexico. Affected products were sold under several familiar brands, including Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning and Sunups.
The recall comes after company testing detected the bacteria at two Texas farms. Midwest Poultry Services halted distribution from the affected facilities and redirected eggs to a pasteurization plant designed to eliminate harmful pathogens.
FDA and CDC Continue Investigation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a multistate outbreak involving Salmonella Enteritidis. According to federal officials, the recalled eggs are considered a likely source for at least some reported illnesses. As of Friday, investigators had identified 98 illnesses across 17 states, including 26 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.
In its public advisory, the FDA urged consumers to avoid eating the recalled eggs.
“Consumers should check their refrigerators for any recalled eggs and throw them away or return them to their place of purchase for a refund,” the agency said.
“If you stored eggs without the original packaging and cannot tell if they are part of the recall, throw them away.”
The agency also warned restaurants and retailers not to serve or sell the affected products. Officials advised thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs.
The company emphasized that the recall was initiated voluntarily after receiving test results.
“Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. is voluntarily recalling 1,589,577 dozen white shell eggs and brown cage free shell eggs produced in Texas because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis,” the company’s recall announcement stated.
What Consumers Should Know
Salmonella Enteritidis is a bacterium that can contaminate eggs both inside the shell and on the shell’s exterior. Infection typically develops between 12 and 72 hours after consuming contaminated food.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Most healthy people recover within several days. Young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness.
Consumers can determine whether their eggs are included in the recall by checking the printed plant codes. The affected cartons display either “P-1950” or “0840962” alongside Julian dates between 157 and 184. The eggs were packaged in a variety of carton sizes, ranging from six-count containers to 60-count packages.
Food safety experts recommend discarding the recalled eggs or returning them for a refund rather than attempting to cook them. Consumers should also wash their hands, utensils and food preparation surfaces with hot, soapy water after handling raw eggs.
Federal officials said the investigation remains active and additional information could become available as testing and traceback efforts continue.
For now, health authorities say consumers should carefully inspect egg cartons before preparing meals and avoid consuming any products included in the recall.