A massive egg recall 2026 has gripped the nation, involving 19 million eggs pulled from shelves across six states due to potential Salmonella contamination. Midwest Poultry Services, L.P., the company behind the recall, voluntarily pulled 1,589,577 dozen eggs, including both white and brown cage-free varieties, manufactured in Texas. The recall, announced July 22, covers eggs produced between June 6 and July 3. The recall is the largest one for eggs since 2010.
Recalled Eggs and Affected States
The recall impacts eggs sold at major retailers like Kroger and Brookshire's, affecting consumers in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. The affected eggs were distributed to both retail and food-service customers, meaning they could be found in grocery stores or used in restaurants. The infected eggs are likely to be a rare strain of salmonella called Salmonella enteritidis which can cause severe foodborne illnesses.
What to Do if You've Purchased Recalled Eggs
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for the recalled eggs and discard any that match the affected product descriptions. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps and usually begin 12 to 72 hours after infection. While most people recover without treatment, the infection can be severe for young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention.
Check your fridge against the list of recalled items
"Consumers should not eat the recalled eggs and should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If you have any questions, please contact Midwest Poultry Services at 1-888-219-4875 from 8 AM to 5 PM CST, Monday through Friday," said the FDA.
Consumer Alert: Kroger Recalls Millions of Dozens of Eggs
Kroger, one of the major retailers affected by the recall, has issued a consumer alert warning customers about the potential presence of Salmonella in some of their egg products. The Kroger egg recall involves 1.5 million dozen eggs. The Salmonella outbreak linked to these eggs. Kroger has been proactive in notifying customers and providing information on how to identify and dispose of the recalled products.
On July 22, Midwest Poultry Services issued a recall on nearly 1.6 million dozen white and brown cage-free eggs from Texas due to potential Salmonella enteritidis contamination.
Expert Insight: The Risks and Precautions
The FDA emphasized the importance of proper food handling and storage to prevent foodborne illnesses. "Eggs should be stored at temperatures below 45°F (7.2°C) to slow bacterial growth. Refrigerated eggs should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32.2°C) ."
"This recall underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety. Consumers should always be aware of recalls and take immediate action to protect themselves and their families," said Dr. Robert Tauxe, deputy director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
“This massive egg recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety and the critical role that vigilance plays in protecting public health,” said Dr. Robert Tauxe, deputy director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
Consumers should stay informed about food recalls and take immediate action to protect themselves and their families. The FDA has set up a dedicated page for the recall, providing updated information and guidance for consumers.
Food recalls due to salmonella might become a regular reminder of the importance of food safety and vigilance as the annual numbers are increasing 50% year over year.
