The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of nearly 1.6 million dozen shell eggs because they may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness. The recalled eggs were distributed to retail stores and food service customers in several southern U.S. states.
The recall was issued by Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. on July 22, 2026, and affects 1,589,577 dozen white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced at the company's farms in Texas. According to the FDA, the eggs were distributed between June 6 and July 3, 2026, with sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 to August 17, 2026.
The recalled eggs were supplied to retailers and food service distributors in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. They were also sold through Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana and Brookshire Grocery stores across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi.
Several private-label and retail brands are included in the recall, including:
Kroger
Simple Truth
Country Morning
Sunups
Brookshire's
Consumers can identify the affected products by checking the carton for:
Plant code: P-1950 or 0840962
Julian dates: 157 through 184
The FDA has published a complete list of affected products and package details on its recall notice.
In a statement sent to PEOPLE via email, Brookshire Grocery said,
Upon receiving notice of the recall, we immediately began reviewing our inventory and removing any potentially affected products from our stores. In addition, any replacement inventory and future shipments are being sourced from alternate facilities while this issue is addressed. All eggs currently available for purchase in our stores were sourced from a different production facility.Brookshire Grocery
According to the FDA, the recall was initiated because the eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.
Midwest Poultry Services stated that it has temporarily stopped distributing eggs from the affected Texas facilities. Eggs from these farms are now being diverted for pasteurization, a process that reduces harmful bacteria, while the company implements corrective measures.
Midwest Poultry Services LP said in a statement shared with PEOPLE,
When we learned of a possible issue with egg safety, we began diverting eggs to a breaking plant where they would be pasteurized to kill any foodborne pathogens. We also began a robust internal investigation and initiated testing protocols to identify potential sources of SE [Salmonella Enteritidis].Midwest Poultry Services LP
At the time of the announcement, no illnesses linked to the recalled eggs had been reported.
Salmonella Enteritidis is a subtype of Salmonella bacteria that commonly causes foodborne illness, often through contaminated eggs, poultry, and other foods.
Infection typically results in acute gastroenteritis, with symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting that usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure.
Most people recover within a week with supportive care, including adequate fluid intake. However, infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing invasive infections, in which the bacteria spread beyond the intestines to the bloodstream or other organs and may require antibiotic treatment.1
The FDA advises consumers not to eat the recalled eggs.
The company advises customers to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For additional information, Midwest Poultry Services can be contacted at 574-405-9531 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday) or by email at recallassistance@mpseggs.com.
The FDA is continuing to oversee the recall, while Midwest Poultry Services carries out corrective actions at the affected production facilities. Consumers are encouraged to check the FDA recall notice to verify whether their eggs are included in the recall before using them.
What are the symptoms of a Salmonella Enteritidis infection?
Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and generally last 4 to 7 days.
Who is at the highest risk of severe Salmonella infection?
While most healthy people recover without specific treatment, infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe illness or invasive infection.
How Do Eggs Become Contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis?
Eggs can become contaminated before or after they are laid. Before laying, Salmonella Enteritidis can infect a hen's reproductive organs and contaminate the yolk, egg white, or shell during egg formation (vertical transmission). After laying, bacteria on the eggshell can enter the egg through tiny pores or cracks.
How can Salmonella infection be prevented?
You can reduce the risk of infection by cooking eggs and poultry thoroughly, avoiding raw or undercooked eggs, washing hands and kitchen surfaces after handling raw foods, preventing cross-contamination, and refrigerating perishable foods promptly.
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Clinical Overview of Salmonellosis.” CDC. Last reviewed October 7, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html.
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