A multistate salmonella outbreak linked to eggs is currently under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with 98 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations reported across 17 states as of this week. The source has been traced to a Texas egg producer, and a recall covering more than 1.5 million dozen eggs is already in effect — but many affected cartons may still be sitting in refrigerators across the country.
Where the Recall Came From
The FDA said Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. voluntarily initiated the recall, affecting 1,589,577 dozen cartons of white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs. The company identified the issue at its two Texas farms through proactive environmental monitoring and root cause analysis, and is not currently distributing fresh eggs produced at those facilities. Notably, at the time the recall was first announced, no illnesses had yet been reported — the current tally of 98 cases and 26 hospitalizations reflects the outbreak's growth in the weeks since.
Which Brands and States Are Affected
The recalled cartons were sold under multiple brand names, including Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire's, Cal-Maine, Country Morning, and Sunups, along with various bulk Grade A and Grade AA eggs. They were distributed to retail stores and foodservice outlets in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico.
How to Check Your Cartons
The recall covers both bulk and retail carton sizes of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 60 eggs. To identify whether your eggs are affected, check the side of the carton for the plant code P-1950 or 0840962, along with a Julian date between 157 and 184. "Best by" dates on affected cartons fall between July 20 and August 17, 2026. If your carton matches these codes and dates, do not eat the eggs — throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased.
What Salmonella Infection Looks Like
Food contaminated with salmonella bacteria typically doesn't look, smell, or taste spoiled, which is why checking the carton codes directly — rather than relying on appearance or smell — is the only reliable way to identify affected eggs. Anyone can become sick with a salmonella infection, though symptoms are usually more severe in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically appearing within six hours to six days after eating contaminated food, and usually lasting four to seven days.
What to Do If You Have the Recalled Eggs
If you have cartons matching the recalled codes, do not consume them. Throw the eggs away or return them for a refund, and thoroughly wash and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, or storage containers the eggs may have touched to avoid cross-contamination. Anyone who has eaten the recalled eggs and is experiencing symptoms of salmonella infection should contact a healthcare provider, particularly if symptoms are severe or persistent.
A Pattern of Recent Egg Recalls
This isn't the first major egg-related salmonella recall in recent memory. In June 2025, California-based August Egg Company recalled 1.7 million dozen brown cage-free and organic eggs distributed across nine states after 79 illnesses and 21 hospitalizations were linked to that outbreak — a reminder that large-scale egg recalls tied to salmonella contamination have recurred more than once in the past two years.
What's Next
With the CDC's investigation still ongoing and 17 states currently reporting cases, health officials expect the confirmed case count to continue climbing as additional illnesses are reported and traced back to the recalled products. Consumers are encouraged to check their egg cartons against the recall details now, rather than waiting for further updates, given how difficult contaminated eggs can be to identify by sight or smell alone.