The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated a recall involving nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs to its highest risk level (Class I) due to potential Salmonella contamination. The outbreak has now sickened at least 98 individuals.

Recall and Risk Upgrade

On August 12, the FDA reclassified the recall of roughly 1.6 million dozen white and brown shell, cage-free eggs as Class I. This designation is used when "there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." The eggs were produced by Midwest Poultry Services at a farm in Texas, and the company identified the issue through proactive environmental monitoring and root cause analysis. As of July 22, the company has stopped distributing fresh eggs from the Texas facility. However, because the eggs carry best-by and sell-by dates extending to August 17, the recalled products continue to pose a risk.

Outbreak Scope and Impact

As of July 24, the Salmonella outbreak linked to this recall has caused at least 98 infections across 17 states, with 26 individuals requiring hospitalization. Illness onset dates range from November 21, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed hospitalizations, but no deaths have been reported to date.

Distribution and Retail Channels

The affected eggs were produced in Texas and shipped to that state as well as to food service retail locations across the southern and southwestern U.S., including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Specific retail outlets include Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, as well as Brookshire Grocery locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi, along with other smaller retail points. The FDA's enforcement report lists specific product details. The company has previously advised consumers not to eat the recalled eggs and to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Broader Food Safety Context

This recall arrives amid one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in U.S. history. Over 13,000 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis linked to lettuce have been reported, while a separate Salmonella outbreak involving jalapeño peppers has prompted a recall of Taylor Farms products across 26 states. Meanwhile, the FDA announced on Monday a change in rules for food manufacturers reporting ingredients to regulators, which may close a regulatory gap but still falls short of the sweeping food safety reforms previously promised by the Trump administration.