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ALERT: 19 Million Eggs Recalled Across Southern States

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Millions of eggs sold across several Southern states are being recalled after routine environmental testing detected the possible presence of Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacteria that can cause serious foodborne illness. Although no illnesses had been reported at the time the recall was announced, health officials are urging consumers to check their refrigerators and avoid eating any eggs included in the recall.

The voluntary recall, issued by Midwest Poultry Services, affects approximately 1.59 million dozen eggs (more than 19 million individual eggs) produced at two Texas farms. The eggs were distributed between June 6 and July 3, 2026, and sold through grocery stores, foodservice distributors and retailers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi.

Which Eggs Are Being Recalled?

The recalled eggs include white shell and brown cage-free varieties sold under several brands, including products available at Kroger, Brookshire Grocery stores and other regional retailers.

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Consumers should check for:

  • Plant codes P-1950 or 0840962
  • Julian dates 157 through 184
  • Best-by dates ranging from July 20 through August 17, 2026

If your carton matches these codes, do not eat the eggs. Instead, throw them away or return them to the retailer for a refund. Be sure to wash and sanitize any refrigerator shelves or containers that may have come into contact with the eggs to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Why Salmonella Is So Dangerous

Salmonella Enteritidis is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States. Infection typically develops within 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food.

Common symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
  • Fever
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache

Most healthy adults recover within a week. However, young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness. In rare cases, the bacteria can spread into the bloodstream and become life-threatening.

How to Tell a Good Egg From a Bad One

Not every bad egg is contaminated with bacteria, and not every contaminated egg looks spoiled. In fact, eggs carrying Salmonella often appear perfectly normal, making recalls especially important.

Still, there are several signs that an egg has gone bad:

Smell it

A spoiled egg has an unmistakable sulfur or rotten odor. If you notice this smell after cracking an egg, throw it away immediately.

Inspect the shell

Avoid eggs with:

  • Cracks
  • Leaks
  • Sticky residue
  • Powdery or moldy spots

Damaged shells can allow bacteria to enter the egg more easily.

Look at the egg after cracking it

Fresh eggs generally have:

  • A firm, rounded yolk
  • Thick egg whites

Spoiled eggs may have:

  • A watery consistency
  • Flat or broken yolks
  • Unusual pink, green, black or iridescent discoloration

Try the float test

Place the egg in a bowl of cold water.

  • Sinks and lies flat: Very fresh
  • Stands upright: Older but often still usable if it passes the smell test
  • Floats: Likely spoiled and should be discarded

Keep in mind that the float test only measures freshness—not whether an egg contains Salmonella. Even a fresh-looking egg can be contaminated.

What If You Already Used the Eggs in a Recipe?

If you recently used recalled eggs, what you should do depends on how the eggs were prepared.

If the eggs were fully cooked

Recipes like baked casseroles, fully baked cakes or thoroughly cooked scrambled eggs are less likely to pose a risk because Salmonella is generally killed when foods reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

If the eggs were raw or undercooked

Foods such as:

  • Homemade Caesar dressing
  • Hollandaise sauce
  • Tiramisu
  • Homemade mayonnaise
  • Cookie dough
  • Mousse
  • Soft-scrambled or runny eggs

carry a higher risk if recalled eggs were used.

If you still have leftovers made with recalled eggs, it’s safest to throw them away rather than take the chance.

Clean your kitchen

If recalled eggs touched countertops, bowls, utensils or cutting boards:

  • Wash everything with hot, soapy water.
  • Sanitize food-contact surfaces.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs.

Cross-contamination can spread bacteria to foods that won’t be cooked.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Most cases of salmonella resolve without treatment, but medical care is recommended if you experience:

  • High fever (over 102°F)
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Severe dehydration
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Symptoms lasting longer than three days
  • Confusion or dizziness

People at higher risk—including infants, adults over 65, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system—should contact a healthcare provider promptly if symptoms develop after eating recalled eggs.

What You Need to Remember

Food recalls can be alarming, but acting quickly can help protect you and your family. Check the plant codes and dates on any eggs currently in your refrigerator. If they match the recall, don’t eat them—even if they look and smell normal. Dispose of them or return them for a refund, sanitize any surfaces they contacted and monitor for symptoms if anyone has already consumed them. Because Salmonella often cannot be detected by sight or smell alone, following recall guidance is the safest course of action.

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