FDA Upgrades Major Egg Recall to Highest Risk Level Amid Salmonella Outbreak

The FDA has upgraded a major 2026 egg recall to Class I, its highest risk level. Learn which eggs are affected, where they were sold, and what consumers should do.

A major egg recall in the United States has been upgraded to the Food and Drug Administration's highest risk classification after health officials linked recalled shell eggs to a multistate Salmonella outbreak.

The FDA classified the Midwest Poultry Services recall as a Class I recall, signaling that exposure to the affected products could potentially cause serious illness or, in severe cases, death. The recall involves nearly 1.59 million dozen shell eggs produced in Texas and distributed to retailers and foodservice customers in several states.

Why the FDA upgraded the egg recall

The FDA uses different recall classifications to communicate the potential health consequences associated with defective or contaminated products. A Class I designation represents the most serious category.

In this case, the concern involves possible contamination with Salmonella Enteritidis, a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. The FDA says Salmonella infections can be particularly serious for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

The recall was initially announced after concerns emerged about potentially contaminated eggs produced and distributed by Midwest Poultry Services. The FDA has since identified the recalled products as part of its investigation into a Salmonella outbreak.

The development makes it especially important for consumers to check eggs stored at home rather than relying only on expiration or sell-by dates.

Which eggs are included in the recall?

According to the FDA, the recalled products include white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs sold in a variety of package sizes. Products were available in both retail and bulk formats, ranging from six eggs to larger packages containing dozens of eggs.

The recalled eggs may have been sold under several brand names, including Country Morning, Cal-Maine Sunups, Brookshire's, Simple Truth and Kroger. The affected eggs have sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20, 2026, through August 17, 2026.

Consumers should not assume that an egg is safe simply because it looks or smells normal. Contaminated food may not have an unusual appearance, smell or taste.

The FDA's recall information provides the most reliable way to determine whether a specific carton or package is affected.

Where were the recalled eggs sold?

The eggs were produced in Texas and distributed through retail and foodservice channels. The recall information indicates distribution to multiple states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi.

Because recalled food can move through different distribution networks, consumers should check the official FDA information even if they purchased eggs outside their immediate area.

Retailers and restaurants are also expected to remove affected products from sale and service.

Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs

The egg recall is particularly concerning because it is connected to an ongoing public health investigation.

The FDA's outbreak investigation identifies the recalled shell eggs as the products associated with the Salmonella investigation. Health authorities have reported illnesses across multiple states, demonstrating why the recall has received national attention.

Salmonella infections can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Symptoms may develop after exposure and can vary in severity from person to person.

Most people recover without serious complications, but some infections can become severe and require medical care. Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are among those at greater risk of serious illness.

Anyone who believes they may have developed symptoms after eating a recalled product should consider contacting a healthcare professional, particularly if symptoms are severe or persistent.

What consumers should do with recalled eggs

If you have eggs that appear to match the FDA's recall information, do not eat them.

The safest approach is to follow the FDA's instructions for disposing of or returning the product. Consumers should also take care when handling cartons and areas where the recalled eggs may have been stored.

Kitchen surfaces, utensils and other items that may have come into contact with raw eggs should be cleaned thoroughly. Washing hands with soap and water after handling potentially contaminated products is also an important food safety measure.

Consumers should avoid tasting food to determine whether it is contaminated. Foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella cannot necessarily be detected through sight, smell or taste.

How to reduce Salmonella risk from eggs

The recall also highlights the importance of everyday egg safety.

Consumers can reduce the risk of Salmonella exposure by keeping eggs refrigerated, washing their hands after handling raw eggs and avoiding cross-contamination between raw eggs and ready-to-eat foods.

Cooking eggs thoroughly can also reduce the risk associated with Salmonella. People preparing dishes containing eggs should follow safe food handling practices and pay particular attention when serving vulnerable groups.

Raw or undercooked egg dishes deserve additional caution because they may not reach temperatures sufficient to eliminate harmful bacteria.

Why checking recall notices matters

Food recalls can change as investigators learn more about a contamination event. Products can also have multiple brand names, package sizes and distribution routes, making it difficult to identify affected food based only on memory of where it was purchased.

For that reason, consumers should rely on official recall notices from the FDA rather than social media posts or unverified lists.

The FDA maintains its Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts database, where consumers can find current information about affected food products.

The agency's dedicated investigation page also provides information about the recalled eggs, affected brands, package sizes and date ranges.

The bottom line

The 2026 egg recall has been elevated to the FDA's highest risk category because of the potential health consequences associated with Salmonella contamination. With nearly 1.59 million dozen eggs involved, consumers in affected areas should take the warning seriously and check their refrigerators for recalled products.

If your eggs match the official recall information, do not consume them. Follow the FDA's disposal or return instructions, clean surfaces that may have contacted the eggs and monitor for symptoms of Salmonella infection.

Most importantly, consumers should use official FDA updates as the primary source of information because recall details and outbreak investigations can change.

Sources

• FDA

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information from official health authorities. Recall information, affected products and outbreak figures can change as investigations continue. Readers should check the latest FDA and public health guidance before making decisions about recalled food. This article is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.