1.5 Million Dozen Eggs Recalled Due to Salmonella Outbreak

Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. has voluntarily recalled 1,589,577 dozen white shell and brown cage-free eggs produced at its Texas facilities due to potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. The recall affects products distributed between June 6 and July 3, with sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 through Aug. 17, according to the company.

The recall impacts grocery stores, smaller retailers, and foodservice customers across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. Affected eggs were sold under several brands, including Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, and Sunups.

The company initiated the recall after testing detected the bacteria at two Texas farms. Midwest Poultry Services subsequently halted distribution from those facilities and redirected eggs to a pasteurization plant to eliminate pathogens.

“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 stated in its recall announcement.

FDA and CDC Investigation Into Multistate Outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis. Federal officials identified the recalled eggs as a likely source for at least some of the reported illnesses.

As of Friday, investigators have identified 98 illnesses across 17 states, including 26 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported, according to federal officials.

The FDA issued a public advisory urging consumers to avoid eating the recalled eggs. The agency stated that consumers should check their refrigerators for affected products and either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

“If you stored eggs without the original packaging and cannot tell if they are part of the recall, throw them away,” the FDA advised.

The FDA also warned retailers and restaurants against selling or serving the affected products. The agency advised these businesses to thoroughly clean and sanitize any containers or surfaces that may have contacted the recalled eggs.

How to Identify Recalled Egg Cartons

Consumers can identify affected eggs by checking the plant codes printed on the cartons. Recalled products display either “P-1950” or “0840962”. These codes appear alongside Julian dates between 157 and 184.

The recall covers various packaging sizes, ranging from six-count containers to 60-count packages.

Salmonella Enteritidis Risks and Symptoms

Salmonella Enteritidis is a bacterium that can contaminate eggs both inside the shell and on the exterior. According to food safety experts, infection typically develops between 12 and 72 hours after the contaminated food is consumed.

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting

While most healthy people recover within several days, food safety experts note that older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness.

Experts recommend discarding the recalled eggs or returning them for a refund rather than attempting to cook them. They also advise washing utensils, hands, and food preparation surfaces with hot, soapy water after handling raw eggs.

Federal officials stated the investigation remains active and additional information may emerge as traceback efforts and testing continue.