Nearly 100 People Sickened in Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Texas Eggs: What You Need to Know
Nearly 100 people across 17 states have been infected with salmonella linked to recalled eggs produced in Texas, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The outbreak has resulted in 26 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported. Midwest Poultry Services voluntarily recalled approximately 19 million eggs after laboratory and traceback investigations identified shell eggs as a likely source of illness.
Which Eggs Were Recalled and Where Were They Sold?
Midwest Poultry Services recalled nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs, or about 19 million individual eggs, due to potential salmonella contamination. The white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs were produced in Texas and carry "sell by" or "best by" dates between July 20, 2026, and August 17, 2026.
The recalled eggs were distributed to major grocery chains and smaller retailers across multiple states. Affected stores include Kroger locations in Texas and Louisiana; Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi; and various smaller retail outlets. The eggs were also shipped to foodservice customers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
How Can You Identify Recalled Eggs in Your Kitchen?
The FDA and Midwest Poultry Services have provided specific identifying information to help consumers locate recalled products. You can identify affected eggs by looking for code numbers printed in date-coding ink on the left or right sides of the carton.
- Plant Code: Look for P-1950 or 0840962 printed on the carton
- Julian Date Range: Check for dates between 157 and 184, which correspond to the recall period
- Best By Dates: Any eggs with "best by" or "sell by" dates between July 20 and August 17, 2026, should be treated with caution
A complete list of impacted products, including UPC codes, product descriptions, photos, and specific "best by" dates, is available on the FDA website. Midwest Poultry Services has confirmed that no other products from the company are part of this recall.
Steps to Take If You Have Recalled Eggs at Home
- Do Not Consume: Avoid eating any eggs matching the recall codes and date ranges listed above
- Return for Refund: Take the recalled eggs back to the store where you purchased them for a full refund, no receipt required at most retailers
- Check Your Pantry: Review all egg cartons in your refrigerator and freezer to ensure none match the recall criteria
- Monitor Your Health: Watch for salmonella symptoms if you may have consumed recalled eggs in the past week
What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella Infection?
Salmonella bacteria cause approximately 1.35 million infections in the United States each year, with contaminated food as the primary source. Symptoms typically appear between six hours and six days after exposure and include abdominal pain, fever, headache, watery diarrhea (which may contain blood or mucus), loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Most people recover from salmonella without medical treatment within four to seven days. However, certain populations face higher risks. Children under age 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness requiring hospitalization or medical intervention.
What Is Midwest Poultry Services Doing About the Outbreak?
Midwest Poultry Services stated that it initiated the recall "as a precautionary measure" and was not initially aware of illnesses linked to its products. The company emphasized its commitment to food safety practices across all operations. When the potential issue was identified, the company began diverting eggs to a breaking plant where they would be pasteurized to kill any foodborne pathogens, and launched a robust internal investigation with enhanced testing protocols to identify potential sources of salmonella contamination.
The FDA investigation is ongoing to determine whether additional sources of illness exist beyond the recalled eggs. Consumers who believe they have become ill from recalled eggs are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider and report the illness to local health authorities, which helps public health officials track the outbreak and prevent further cases.