FDA Recalls Millions of Eggs Over Salmonella Risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the voluntary recall of more than 1.5 million dozen shell eggs because they may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacteria that can cause serious illness.

The recall involves white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. in Texas between June 6 and July 3. The affected eggs have sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 through Aug. 17.

According to the FDA, the recalled eggs were distributed to retail and foodservice customers in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. They were sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi, as well as several smaller retailers.

While the recalled eggs were not directly distributed to Alabama retailers, Alabama residents who recently traveled to neighboring states or purchased eggs while visiting Mississippi, Louisiana or other affected areas should check their cartons. Consumers are also encouraged to verify the source of eggs purchased from independent retailers.

The recalled cartons are marked with plant codes P-1950 or 0840962 and Julian dates between 157 and 184, printed on the side of the carton.

Salmonella infections can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of developing severe illness.

Midwest Poultry Services said it is not aware of any illnesses linked to the recalled eggs.

Consumers who have the recalled eggs should not eat them and should return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them.