FDA Upgrades Egg Recall to Highest-Risk Level as Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 98

WASHINGTON — Federal health officials have escalated a major egg recall to the Food and Drug Administration’s highest-risk classification after investigators linked the products to a multistate Salmonella outbreak.

The FDA designated the recall a Class I, meaning there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the affected products could cause serious health consequences or death.

The recall involves eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services at two Texas farms. The company initially recalled approximately 1.6 million dozen brown eggs and 1.6 million dozen white eggs in late July.

98 Illnesses Reported Across 17 States

According to federal health officials, the recalled eggs have been linked to an outbreak that has sickened 98 people in 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations reported.

No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak.

Investigators say the eggs were produced between June 6 and July 3, 2026, and distributed to retailers and food-service customers in several states.

The affected eggs were sold through retailers including Kroger and Brookshire Grocery locations in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico and Mississippi.

How to Identify the Recalled Eggs

Consumers should check their egg cartons for the identifying codes P-1950 or 0840962 and Julian dates ranging from 157 through 184.

The affected products have sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 through August 17, 2026.

Anyone who has recalled eggs should not eat them. Federal health officials recommend throwing them away or returning them to the store.

Consumers should also wash and sanitize surfaces, utensils and containers that may have come into contact with the raw eggs.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

Most people recover without specific medical treatment, but infections can become serious, particularly among young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Health officials emphasize that people can become infected even when food does not appear spoiled or unusual.

Investigation Remains Underway

Midwest Poultry Services reportedly identified Salmonella through environmental monitoring and subsequent testing. The company has stopped distributing fresh eggs from the affected Texas farms while investigators work to determine the source and scope of the contamination.

Officials also caution that the recalled eggs may represent only part of the broader outbreak. Illnesses associated with the investigation began before the production dates covered by the current recall, and authorities continue examining whether additional sources could be involved.

For consumers, the immediate priority is checking egg cartons against the recall information and avoiding any affected products.

With the FDA now placing the recall in its most serious category, health officials are urging anyone who may have purchased the eggs to take the warning seriously.