Egg Recall Update: CDC Reports 98 Salmonella Illnesses Across 17 States
Editor’s Note & Outbreak Update: An earlier version of this coverage (see our initial July 24 recall report) stated that no illnesses had been confirmed in connection with the Midwest Poultry Services egg recall. That initial notice was issued before federal investigators publicly reported case counts. That information has since been superseded by the CDC’s ongoing outbreak investigation. As of July 24, the CDC reports 98 people infected with the outbreak strain across 17 states, including 26 hospitalizations among the 72 patients for whom hospitalization information was available, and no deaths. Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback data indicate that Midwest Poultry Services eggs are a likely source of some illnesses, though the investigation remains ongoing and the recalled eggs may not explain every case.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially announced the voluntary recall of 1,589,577 dozen shell eggs (white shell and brown cage-free) produced at two Texas farms due to potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. The eggs were shipped to retail and food-service customers, including Kroger and Brookshire’s locations, in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Checking Your Packaging: Side Panel Codes and Affected Brands
When inspecting egg cartons at home, consumers should look specifically at the side panel of the packaging rather than the top cover. Plant codes and dates are printed in date-stamping ink on the left or right side panel.
| Product Identifier | Correct Details | Context & Identification |
|---|---|---|
| Producer | Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. | Produced at two Texas farms |
| Product Types | White shell & brown cage-free shell eggs | Includes multiple sizes and grades listed in the FDA recall notice. |
| Brands | Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, Cal-Maine Sunups | Sold at regional grocery stores and food service providers |
| Plant Codes | P-1950 or 0840962 |
Stamped on the side panel of egg cartons |
| Julian Dates | 157 through 184 |
Represents packing dates from June 6 to July 3, 2026 |
| Sell-By / Best-By Dates | July 20 – August 17, 2026 | Printed alongside plant codes |
| Distribution States | AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX | Distributed to retail stores and food-service channels |
High-Risk Demographics and Clinical Warning Signs
Most otherwise healthy people recover within four to seven days, although some infections can become severe. However, children under 5, adults 65 and older, and individuals with compromised immune systems face an increased risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
Health authorities advise contacting a healthcare professional if you or a family member develop concerning symptoms after eating recalled or potentially contaminated eggs, particularly under the following conditions:
- A fever above 102°F, bloody diarrhea, diarrhea lasting more than two days without improvement, or severe vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, including very little urination, a very dry mouth, dizziness when standing, or an inability to keep fluids down
- People with weakened immune systems should contact a healthcare professional promptly if they develop fever, worsening weakness, confusion, or other concerning symptoms
Emergency Warning: Seek immediate emergency medical care if a child is difficult to wake, unusually unresponsive, confused, or exhibits severe signs of dehydration.
If you consult a healthcare provider, keeping a written record of when symptoms began and the timeline of egg consumption can help medical staff make an accurate assessment.
Disposal Procedures and Household Sanitation Protocol
Recalled eggs should not be consumed or used in cooking under any circumstances. If you discard the eggs, keep the carton contained in a sealed plastic bag to reduce contact with other kitchen items, follow local waste-disposal requirements when discarding recalled food, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Alternatively, consumers may return recalled products to the place of purchase for a full refund according to store policy.
- Contaminated Food Disposal: Discard any ready-to-eat food that was directly contaminated by leaking egg contents or visibly contaminated packaging.
- Surface Sanitization: Wash hands, utensils, countertops, and refrigerator surfaces with warm or hot, soapy water, then sanitize them according to the disinfectant’s label directions. Follow product label instructions for proper dilution and contact time, and never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products.
- Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling recalled egg cartons or raw eggs before touching other surfaces or preparing food, as Salmonella can easily spread via cross-contamination.
🏛️ Official Recalls & Health Resources
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which egg brands and plant codes are involved in the Midwest Poultry Services recall?
The recall includes Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, and Cal-Maine Sunups brand eggs. Consumers should check carton side panels for plant code P-1950 or 0840962 and Julian dates 157 through 184.
How many illnesses have been reported in connection with this outbreak?
As of July 24, the CDC reported 98 people infected with the outbreak strain across 17 states, including 26 hospitalizations among the 72 patients for whom hospitalization information was available, and no deaths. CDC and FDA investigators state that the recalled eggs are a likely source of some cases, although the investigation remains ongoing.
How long does it take to recover from a Salmonella infection?
Most otherwise healthy people recover within four to seven days without targeted medical treatment, although severe cases or infections in high-risk individuals may require professional medical monitoring.
How should recalled eggs be safely disposed of?
Do not consume or cook with recalled eggs. Keep the carton in a sealed plastic bag when discarding, follow local waste-disposal requirements, or return them to the store for a full refund. Wash hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water afterward.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only based on official disclosures from the FDA and CDC. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical advice.
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