Egg Recall: Nearly 1.6 Million Dozen Eggs Pulled Over Salmonella Risk This July

Last updated: July 23, 2026

Quick Answer: Midwest Poultry Services L.P. has recalled approximately 1,589,577 dozen white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced in Texas due to potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. The recall was announced on July 22-23, 2026, in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consumers who purchased affected eggs should not eat them and should return them to the store for a full refund. [1][3]

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs have been recalled by Midwest Poultry Services L.P. over potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination [3]
• The recall was announced July 22-23, 2026, and is being conducted with FDA oversight [1][2]
• Both white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced in Texas are affected
• Eggs were produced between June 6, 2026 and July 2026 and distributed across multiple U.S. states
• Salmonella Enteritidis can cause serious illness, especially in children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems
• Consumers should check carton codes against the FDA recall notice before eating any eggs from this period
• Do not eat recalled eggs, even if they appear normal; discard or return them immediately
• Cooking eggs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) kills Salmonella, but recalled eggs should not be consumed at all
• A linked Salmonella outbreak has sickened dozens of people across multiple states [5][6]
• For ongoing health updates and food safety guidance, check the FDA and CDC websites regularly

What Eggs Are Being Recalled This July Over Salmonella Risk

Midwest Poultry Services L.P. is recalling 1,589,577 dozen shell eggs because they may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis. The recall covers both white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs that were produced at Texas facilities. [3]

The eggs were produced between June 6, 2026 and July 2026. This egg recall, involving nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs pulled over Salmonella risk this July, is one of the largest egg recalls in recent U.S. history and affects consumers across a wide geographic area. [1][2]

Key facts about the recalled eggs:

• Producer: Midwest Poultry Services L.P.
• Egg types: White shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs
• Production location: Texas farms
• Production dates: June 6, 2026 through July 2026
• Recall announced: July 22-23, 2026
• Regulatory oversight: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [3]

Which Brands and Stores Are Affected by the Egg Recall

The recalled eggs were distributed under multiple brand names and sold through retail grocery chains across several U.S. states. Consumers should check the FDA’s official recall notice for the complete and current list of brand names and retail locations, as this information is updated as the investigation continues. [3]

Where recalled eggs were sold:

• Grocery retail chains across multiple states
• Stores in the distribution region spanning the Midwest and surrounding areas
• Both major national chains and regional retailers

For the most current list of affected retailers and store locations, visit the FDA recall notice directly [3]. Retailers are required to pull recalled eggs from shelves immediately upon notification.

How to Check Your Egg Carton Codes for the Recall

Consumers can identify recalled eggs by checking the UPC barcode, plant number, and Julian date printed on the egg carton. The FDA recall notice lists all specific codes tied to this recall. [3]

Step-by-step: How to check your eggs

1. Find your egg carton and locate the label on the end flap or bottom of the carton.
2. Look for the plant number (a “P” followed by digits) stamped on the carton.
3. Find the Julian date (a three-digit number representing the day of the year the eggs were packed).
4. Compare both numbers against the full list published in the FDA recall notice at fda.gov. [3]
5. If your carton matches any listed code, do not eat the eggs.

Common mistake: Many consumers assume that eggs look or smell different if contaminated with Salmonella. They do not. Recalled eggs appear completely normal, which is why checking the carton codes is the only reliable method.

How Many People Got Sick From This Egg Recall

A Salmonella outbreak linked to this egg recall has sickened dozens of people across at least seven states, with some cases requiring hospitalization. [5][6] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively tracking the outbreak in coordination with the FDA. [9]

Salmonella outbreaks tied to eggs are not uncommon in the United States. A prior egg-related Salmonella investigation in 2025 also resulted in illness and hospitalization across multiple states, highlighting the ongoing risk that contaminated eggs pose to public health. [7][9]

Those most at risk of serious illness include:

• Children under five years old
• Adults over 65
• Pregnant individuals
• People with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella From Eggs

Salmonella Enteritidis infection typically causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever beginning six hours to six days after eating contaminated food. Most healthy adults recover within four to seven days without medical treatment, but severe cases can require hospitalization. [9]

Salmonella symptoms to watch for:

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
• Fever, usually above 100°F (38°C)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache and muscle aches

When to seek medical care immediately:

• Diarrhea lasting more than three days
• High fever above 102°F (39°C)
• Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness
• Blood in stool

If you suspect Salmonella illness after eating eggs, contact a healthcare provider and inform them of the potential exposure. For broader context on how nutrition and gut health intersect, our health category covers related topics in depth.

What Causes Salmonella in Eggs and How Long Does It Last

Salmonella Enteritidis can contaminate eggs in two primary ways: the bacteria can infect a hen’s ovaries and be deposited inside the egg before the shell forms, or it can penetrate a cracked or dirty shell after the egg is laid. Once inside the egg, Salmonella can survive for several weeks if the egg is stored at room temperature, and for months under refrigeration. [4]

This is why proper refrigeration and handling matter even for eggs that have not been recalled. Salmonella does not change the appearance, smell, or taste of an egg, making visual inspection unreliable.

Key facts about Salmonella survival in eggs:

• Bacteria can survive inside a refrigerated egg for weeks to months
• Room-temperature storage accelerates bacterial growth significantly
• Cracked or dirty shells increase contamination risk
• Proper cooking destroys the bacteria reliably

Can Cooking Kill Salmonella in Recalled Eggs

Cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) does kill Salmonella Enteritidis. However, the FDA and food safety experts strongly advise against eating recalled eggs under any circumstances, even if you plan to cook them thoroughly. [3]

The risk is not worth taking. Cross-contamination during handling, cracked shells, or undercooked portions in dishes like scrambled eggs or omelets can still expose you to live bacteria. Recalled eggs should be discarded or returned, not cooked and eaten.

Safe cooking temperatures for eggs (general guidance, not for recalled eggs):

• Fried or poached eggs: cook until both yolk and white are firm
• Scrambled eggs and omelets: cook until no liquid egg remains
• Casseroles and egg dishes: internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)
• Never serve raw or runny eggs to high-risk individuals

For safe food preparation practices in general, proper appliance hygiene also plays a role. Our guide on barbeque maintenance and grill safety covers related principles for outdoor cooking safety.

What Should You Do If You Bought Recalled Eggs

If you have purchased eggs that match the recalled codes, stop eating them immediately, even if some have already been consumed without apparent illness. The FDA advises consumers to either discard the eggs or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. [3]

Action steps for consumers:

1. Stop using the eggs right away.
2. Check the carton codes against the FDA recall list.
3. Do not crack or handle the eggs unnecessarily to avoid spreading bacteria.
4. Place the carton in a sealed plastic bag before discarding to prevent contamination.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the carton.
6. Clean and sanitize any surfaces, bowls, or utensils that may have contacted the eggs.
7. Return the carton to the store with your receipt for a refund, or contact the retailer directly.

How to Get a Refund for Recalled Eggs

Consumers are entitled to a full refund for recalled eggs. Most major grocery retailers will accept returns of recalled products without a receipt, though having proof of purchase can speed up the process. [3]

Refund options:

• Return the unopened or partially used carton to the store where it was purchased
• Contact the retailer’s customer service line if you are unable to return in person
• Keep the carton label and codes in case the retailer or FDA needs documentation
• If a retailer refuses a refund, contact the FDA consumer complaint line or your state’s department of agriculture

Is It Safe to Eat Eggs After This Recall

Eggs not covered by the specific recall codes are considered safe to eat, provided they are handled and cooked properly. The recall applies only to eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services L.P. during the specified production window, distributed under the listed brand names and UPC codes. [1][3]

For general egg safety going forward:

• Always refrigerate eggs at or below 40°F (4°C)
• Avoid buying cartons with cracked or dirty eggs
• Wash hands before and after handling raw eggs
• Cook eggs thoroughly, especially for vulnerable individuals
• Do not leave cooked egg dishes at room temperature for more than two hours

Eggs remain a nutritionally valuable food source. They are rich in high-quality protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals. For consumers interested in how food and supplementation interact with overall health, our guide on using vitamins and supplements as a treatment provides evidence-based context.

FAQ

Q: Who issued the egg recall? Midwest Poultry Services L.P. issued the voluntary recall in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced on July 22-23, 2026. [3]

Q: How many eggs are being recalled? Approximately 1,589,577 dozen eggs, covering both white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced in Texas. [1][3]

Q: What type of Salmonella is involved? The recall is linked to potential contamination with Salmonella Enteritidis, one of the most common strains associated with egg-related illness. [3]

Q: How do I know if my eggs are part of the recall? Check the plant number and Julian date printed on your egg carton and compare them to the codes listed in the FDA’s official recall notice at fda.gov. [3]

Q: Can I cook recalled eggs to make them safe? No. The FDA advises against consuming recalled eggs even if cooked. Discard them or return them to the store for a refund. [3]

Q: How long does Salmonella illness last? Most people recover within four to seven days. Severe cases, particularly in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, may require hospitalization. [9]

Q: Where can I get the most current recall information? Visit the FDA’s recall page directly at fda.gov or check USA Today’s recall tracker for updated information. [2][3]

Q: Are cage-free or organic eggs safer from Salmonella? Not necessarily. This recall specifically includes brown cage-free shell eggs. Farming method does not eliminate Salmonella risk; proper handling and cooking remain essential. [3]

Q: Has anyone been hospitalized from this outbreak? Yes. The linked Salmonella outbreak has resulted in hospitalizations across multiple states. [6]

Q: What should I do if I already ate recalled eggs and feel sick? Contact a healthcare provider immediately, describe your symptoms, and mention the potential Salmonella exposure from recalled eggs.

Conclusion

The egg recall involving nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs pulled over Salmonella risk this July is a serious public health event that demands immediate action from consumers. Midwest Poultry Services L.P.’s recall, conducted under FDA oversight, covers white shell and brown cage-free eggs produced in Texas between June 6 and July 2026. [1][3]

Actionable next steps for consumers in 2026:

• Check your egg carton codes against the FDA recall list right now
• Discard or return any matching eggs and sanitize all contact surfaces
• Monitor yourself and family members for Salmonella symptoms for up to six days after potential exposure
• Seek medical care promptly if symptoms appear, especially for children, elderly individuals, or anyone with a compromised immune system
• Stay updated through the FDA website and CDC outbreak investigation page as new information emerges [3][9]

Eggs are a nutritious staple, and this recall does not mean eggs in general are unsafe. It means one specific production batch requires immediate attention. Acting quickly and following official guidance is the most effective way to protect your household.

For more health and food safety guidance, explore our health resources.

References

[1] Poultry Firm Recalls Nearly 16 Mln Dozen Eggs Over Potential Salmonella Us Fda 2026 07 23 – https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/poultry-firm-recalls-nearly-16-mln-dozen-eggs-over-potential-salmonella-us-fda-2026-07-23/

[2] Fda Gqv4ielbv I – https://www.usatoday.com/recalls/food-and-drug/FDA-gqv4IelBv_I/

[3] Midwest Poultry Services Lp Recalls Shell Eggs Due Possible Salmonella Enteritidis Contamination – https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/midwest-poultry-services-lp-recalls-shell-eggs-due-possible-salmonella-enteritidis-contamination

[4] World Us Canada 11045557 – https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-11045557

[5] Salmonella Outbreak Connected To Egg Recall Sickens Dozens In 7 States – https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/salmonella-outbreak-connected-to-egg-recall-sickens-dozens-in-7-states

[6] Salmonella Eggs Outbreak Hospitalized Cdc Rcna227818 – https://www.nbcnews.com/health/recall/salmonella-eggs-outbreak-hospitalized-cdc-rcna227818

[7] Outbreak Investigation Salmonella Eggs June 2025 – https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-eggs-june-2025

[9] Investigation – https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/eggs-06-25/investigation.html