FDA Upgrades Egg Recall to Class I Over Salmonella Risk on August 14

The FDA upgraded a recall of nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs to Class I, its highest-risk category, on August 14 after salmonella contamination sickened 98 people across 17 states. Midwest Poultry Services initiated the recall in late July for eggs sold under Kroger, Brookshire’s, Simple Truth, and Country Morning brands. The eggs have best-by dates through August 17 and carry identifying codes P-1950 or 0840962 with Julian dates between 157 and 184.

What the Class I designation means

A Class I recall indicates there is a reasonable probability that eating the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death, according to the FDA. The agency often assigns this classification well after a company initiates a recall, so it does not necessarily signal an expansion of the original recall. The FDA designated the incident Class I on August 12, weeks after Midwest Poultry Services announced the recall on July 22.

Where the recalled eggs were sold and how to identify them

The recalled eggs were distributed to Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi, and smaller retail outlets in those states. Only eggs with identifying codes P-1950 or 0840962 and Julian dates between 157 and 184 are affected. The eggs were produced at two Texas farms between June 6 and July 3, 2026. Nearly 1.6 million cartons have been recalled in total.

Salmonella outbreak details and illness count

As of July 24, the outbreak linked to the recalled eggs has sickened 98 people across 17 states, with 26 hospitalizations and no deaths reported. Texas accounts for 73 of the illnesses. Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain within 6 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. Most people recover within a week, but young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems face higher risk of severe illness requiring medical attention.

What consumers should do

Anyone who purchased eggs with the affected codes and dates should not eat them. Return the products to the store where purchased for a full refund. Wash any items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled eggs using hot soapy water or a dishwasher. Midwest Poultry Services discovered the contamination through routine environmental monitoring and stopped distributing eggs from its affected Texas farms as of July 22.

Final Thoughts

The Class I upgrade reflects the severity of salmonella risk, though the recall itself was initiated in July. Consumers in six states should check their egg cartons for the specific codes and dates listed and discard or return affected products immediately.

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