FDA Class I Egg Recall: Check Your Carton
```Updated: August 14, 2026
The FDA Class I egg recall involving Midwest Poultry Services has become a major food-safety alert after federal officials linked recalled shell eggs to a multistate Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak.
```The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified the recall at its highest risk level, meaning there is a reasonable probability that use of the affected product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The recall involves white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced at Midwest Poultry Services facilities in Texas.
According to the FDA and CDC, the outbreak associated with the recalled eggs has been linked to 98 illnesses across 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations reported. No deaths have been reported in the current outbreak.
```Why Did the FDA Classify the Egg Recall as Class I?
```The FDA uses three primary recall classifications to communicate the potential health risk of recalled products. Class I is the most serious category and is used when exposure to a recalled product could reasonably cause serious health consequences or death.
In this case, the classification was upgraded after investigators connected the recalled eggs with a Salmonella outbreak. FDA investigators used laboratory findings, epidemiological information and traceback work to identify Midwest Poultry Services eggs as a likely source of illnesses.
The FDA's classification does not mean that every carton of eggs from the company is contaminated. Consumers should instead check the specific product codes and dates identified in the recall notice.
```How Many Eggs Are Included in the Recall?
```Midwest Poultry Services recalled 1,589,577 dozen eggs, equivalent to roughly 19 million individual eggs. The recalled products include white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced at two Texas farms.
The eggs were distributed through retail and foodservice channels, meaning some affected products may have reached consumers through grocery stores as well as restaurants and other businesses.
```Which Egg Brands Are Recalled?
```The recalled eggs were sold under several brand names. According to the FDA's outbreak investigation, affected products include:
- Kroger
- Simple Truth
- Brookshire's
- Country Morning
- Cal-Maine Sunups
The recall covers multiple package sizes, including cartons and bulk packages containing 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 and 60 eggs.
```How to Check if Your Eggs Are Recalled
```Consumers should check the information printed on the side of their egg carton. The FDA and CDC identify the affected products using specific plant codes and Julian dates.
Look for these codes:
- Plant code: P-1950 or 0840962
- Julian dates: 157 through 184
- Sell-by or best-by dates: July 20, 2026 through August 17, 2026
The three-digit Julian date identifies the production or packing day. Consumers should compare the complete code on their carton with the information in the official FDA recall notice rather than relying only on the brand name.
The FDA says the recalled eggs were produced in Texas and distributed to retail and foodservice customers in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. They were also available through Kroger and Brookshire Grocery stores in several states, with additional smaller retail and foodservice distribution in Arkansas, Mississippi and New Mexico.
```What Should You Do If You Have Recalled Eggs?
```Do not eat the recalled eggs. Consumers who have affected products should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
The CDC also recommends washing and sanitizing items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs. This includes countertops, utensils, containers and other kitchen equipment.
Restaurants and retailers should not sell or serve recalled eggs and should clean and sanitize surfaces that may have been exposed to the products.
```What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella?
```Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Most healthy people recover without serious complications, but Salmonella infections can become more severe in young children, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems. Some infections can require hospitalization.
The CDC advises people to contact a healthcare provider promptly if they develop severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, prolonged diarrhea, significant vomiting or signs of dehydration.
```What Is the FDA Investigating?
```The FDA, CDC and state and local health authorities are investigating the outbreak. According to the FDA, illnesses in the investigation began as early as November 2025, with the most recent reported illness occurring in June 2026.
Investigators found that many interviewed patients reported eating eggs before becoming ill. Laboratory, epidemiological and traceback evidence subsequently pointed toward Midwest Poultry Services eggs as a likely source, although federal investigators have said the company does not account for every illness in the outbreak.
```Why This Egg Recall Matters
The latest FDA Class I egg recall demonstrates why consumers should take food-recall notices seriously, particularly when a recall is associated with a confirmed or suspected foodborne illness outbreak.
The large volume of recalled eggs and their distribution through multiple brands and retailers also makes it important for consumers to check the actual carton code rather than assuming that an egg is safe simply because it came from a familiar store or brand.
Bottom Line
The FDA has classified the Midwest Poultry Services egg recall as Class I because of the potential for serious health consequences from Salmonella contamination. The recall covers nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs produced in Texas and sold under several brands.
Consumers should check their cartons for plant codes P-1950 or 0840962 and Julian dates from 157 through 184, along with the applicable sell-by or best-by dates. If an egg carton matches the recall information, it should not be eaten.
For the most accurate and current product information, consumers should rely on the official FDA and CDC recall and outbreak notices as investigators continue to update the case.
Editor's note: This article reflects information available on August 14, 2026. Recall details and outbreak figures may be updated as federal and state health authorities continue their investigation.
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