Nearly 19 Million Eggs Recalled Across Six States Over Salmonella Risk

Midwest Poultry Services voluntarily recalled nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs-approximately 19 million individual eggs-due to potential Salmonella contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published the recall notice on Wednesday. The recalled products include white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced in Texas between June 6, 2026 and July 3, 2026. These eggs carry “sell by” or “best by” dates ranging from July 20, 2026 to August 17, 2026.

The recalled eggs reached consumers through multiple distribution channels across six states. Kroger locations in Texas and Louisiana sold the affected products. Brookshire Grocery stores distributed them across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi. Other smaller retail outlets also stocked the recalled eggs, and the company shipped products to foodservice customers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

How to Identify Recalled Eggs

Consumers can identify the recalled eggs by checking for specific code numbers printed on the carton sides. The FDA states that recalled cartons display an identifying code number in date-coding ink on either the left or right side. Only codes reading P-1950 or 0840962 with a Julian Date between 157 and 184 fall under this recall. The Julian Date system assigns sequential numbers to each day of the year, with 157 representing June 6 and 184 representing July 3.

The recall includes various product sizes and packaging formats. Kroger-brand cartons of 12 large eggs and 18 large eggs appear on the affected products list. Consumers who purchased these eggs should immediately stop consumption. They should return the product to its original place of purchase for a full refund. No other Midwest Poultry Services products are part of this recall action.

New Mexico Stores Respond to Recall

John Brooks Supermarkets in New Mexico confirmed they did not receive any affected eggs through their warehouse. The warehouse serves all four of their locations, including their Albuquerque store. Lowe’s Food Market downtown reported no direct knowledge of the recall affecting their inventory. Metro Smith’s locations, which Kroger owns, similarly reported no affected products in their stores.

The company has not received reports of any specific illnesses linked to its products. However, Salmonella Enteritidis poses serious health risks to consumers. The bacteria can cause serious and sometimes deadly health issues for people, particularly vulnerable populations including young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Company Response and Investigation

Midwest Poultry Services initiated the recall as a precautionary measure, according to a statement the company provided. The company began diverting eggs to a breaking plant for pasteurization immediately upon learning of potential contamination concerns. Pasteurization kills foodborne pathogens including Salmonella. The company also launched a robust internal investigation and initiated testing protocols to identify potential sources of contamination.

“At Midwest Poultry Services, a family-owned and led business, we believe in the power of safe, nutritious eggs to make a real difference in people’s lives,” the company stated in its announcement, emphasizing its commitment to safety practices across every farm in its network.

The family-owned business describes its safety protocols as foundational to operations. These practices reflect values the company built into daily operations across its entire farm network. The swift action to divert potentially contaminated eggs demonstrates a proactive approach while investigators work to determine the contamination source.

Understanding Salmonella Contamination

Salmonella bacteria can contaminate eggs through two primary pathways. The bacteria can contaminate the shell from fecal matter during the laying process. Alternatively, infected ovaries in hens incorporate the bacteria into eggs before the hens form the shells. This internal contamination pathway makes the bacteria particularly difficult to detect through visual inspection alone.

Food safety experts recommend proper handling and cooking procedures for all eggs. Consumers should store eggs in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F. Proper cooking eliminates Salmonella bacteria and renders eggs safe for consumption. Cross-contamination risks require consumers to wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after contact with raw eggs.

Scope of Distribution and Consumer Impact

The recall affects a significant volume of products distributed across multiple states over nearly a month. Production occurred between early June and early July at Texas facilities. The wide distribution network means consumers across six states potentially purchased the affected eggs. Retail giants Kroger and Brookshire Grocery represent major distribution channels, though smaller outlets also received shipments.

Consumers can access a complete list of impacted products on the FDA website. The list includes detailed information such as UPC codes, identifying numbers, product descriptions, photographs, and “best by” dates. This comprehensive information helps consumers verify whether eggs in their possession fall under the recall. Anyone with questions about specific products should contact the store where they made their purchase or consult the official FDA recall notice.

What Consumers Should Do Now

The FDA urges consumers to check their refrigerators immediately for recalled eggs. Look for the identifying codes P-1950 or 0840962 printed on carton sides. Verify that the Julian Date falls between 157 and 184. Do not consume eggs matching these identifiers. Return them to the original place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers who already consumed recalled eggs and experience symptoms should seek medical attention. Typical Salmonella symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually appear six hours to six days after infection. Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases require medical intervention. Healthcare providers can diagnose Salmonella infection through laboratory tests and prescribe appropriate treatment when necessary.