If you recently stocked up on eggs, you may want to check your refrigerator.
Federal health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain shell eggs after Midwest Poultry Services voluntarily recalled nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs—about 19 million eggs—over concerns they may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis. The recall comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigate a multistate Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 98 people in 17 states and hospitalized 26. No deaths have been reported.
The recalled eggs were produced at two Texas farms between June 6 and July 3 and were sold under several well-known brands, including Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, and Sunups. The affected products were distributed to retailers and food service providers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Mexico, with sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 through August 17.
According to the FDA, investigators linked the recalled eggs to the outbreak through laboratory testing, interviews with people who became sick, and supply chain tracing. While the company said it was not aware of illnesses tied directly to its products when the recall was announced, federal officials now say the recalled eggs are believed to be a likely source of at least part of the outbreak.
Consumers who purchased the affected eggs should not eat them. Instead, they should throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Health officials also recommend washing and disinfecting any containers, shelves, or surfaces that may have come into contact with the eggs to help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing serious illness. Anyone who experiences severe symptoms after eating the recalled eggs should contact a healthcare provider.
