FDA Upgrades Salmonella Egg Recall to Class I: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a major egg recall to Class I — its highest risk classification — after nearly 1.6 million dozen shell eggs were linked to a multistate Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak that has sickened at least 98 people across 17 states. Health officials are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and dispose of any recalled eggs immediately, as contaminated cartons may still be in homes with sell-by dates extending through August 17, 2026.

What happened: FDA raises egg recall to Class I

On August 12, 2026, the FDA reclassified the recall initiated by Midwest Poultry Services of North Manchester, Indiana, to Class I status. The FDA defines Class I as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” It is the agency’s most serious recall category and is reserved for products posing the highest risk to public health.

The company first recalled the eggs in late July after “proactive environmental monitoring practices and root cause analysis” identified potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. Farm samples later tested positive, and genetic sequencing confirmed that some matched the strain responsible for the outbreak, according to the FDA.

Which eggs are affected by the recall?

The recall covers white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced at farms in Texas between June 6 and July 3, 2026. The affected cartons carry:

• Sell-by or best-by dates between July 20, 2026, and August 17, 2026
• Plant code P-1950 or establishment number 0840962
• Julian dates between 157 and 184

Recalled eggs were distributed to Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, and sold under the following brand names:

• Kroger
• Brookshire’s
• Country Morning
• Simple Truth
• Cal-Maine Sunups

The eggs were available at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, Brookshire Grocery locations across six states, and other smaller retail outlets.

How to check if your eggs are part of the recall

Consumers should look for the plant code, Julian date, and sell-by date printed on the end of the egg carton. The FDA advises that anyone who purchased potentially affected eggs should not eat them. Instead, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

The agency also recommends washing hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw eggs and any foods containing raw eggs.

Salmonella symptoms to watch for

Salmonella infection typically causes:

• Fever
• Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain

According to the FDA, illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food, and symptoms typically last four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment, but some cases require hospitalization.

Who is most at risk of severe illness?

While anyone can become infected, certain groups are more likely to experience severe complications:

• Children under 5 years old
• Older adults
• People with weakened immune systems
• Pregnant women

In this outbreak, 26 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The CDC reports illnesses with onset dates ranging from November 21, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and the investigation is ongoing — the FDA notes that Midwest Poultry Services “does not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak,” and additional sources of infection are being investigated.

A challenging year for foodborne illness in the U.S.

The egg recall is one of several major foodborne illness events under investigation in 2026. Health authorities are also tracking:

• A salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños, with 345 cases and 36 hospitalizations across 27 states, connected to products served at Chipotle and Qdoba
• A massive cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce, with more than 13,000 confirmed cases
• Multiple salmonella outbreaks linked to backyard poultry, involving more than 800 cases across 44 states

These overlapping outbreaks underscore the importance of careful food handling, timely recalls, and public awareness.

What consumers should do now

• Check your cartons against the plant codes, Julian dates, and sell-by dates above
• Do not eat recalled eggs — discard them or return them for a refund
• Clean thoroughly — wash hands, counters, utensils, and fridge shelves that touched the eggs with hot, soapy water
• Seek medical care if you develop severe diarrhea, high fever, or signs of dehydration, especially if you are in a high-risk group

Frequently asked questions

What does a Class I recall mean?

A Class I recall is the FDA’s most serious classification. It means there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

How do I know if my eggs were recalled?

Look for plant code P-1950 or establishment number 0840962, Julian dates 157–184, and sell-by or best-by dates between July 20 and August 17, 2026. Recalled brands include Kroger, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, Simple Truth, and Cal-Maine Sunups.

Can cooking recalled eggs make them safe?

Thorough cooking kills Salmonella bacteria, but health officials still advise against eating recalled eggs in any form, and recommend discarding them or returning them for a refund.

How long does Salmonella food poisoning last?

Symptoms usually begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure and last four to seven days. Most people recover without medical treatment, but children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals may develop severe illness requiring hospitalization.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection?

Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persist.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — recall notices and outbreak investigation updates
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Salmonella outbreak tracking
• Midwest Poultry Services recall announcement

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you believe you have consumed recalled eggs and are experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.