Egg Recall 2026: FDA Class I Salmonella Alert for Veterans

Recalled Eggs Alert: What Veterans and VA Families Should Know

The FDA has upgraded a recall of over 1.5 million dozen eggs to Class I—its highest risk level—due to Salmonella contamination linked to 98 illnesses across 17 states, including 26 hospitalizations . The recalled eggs were sold under Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, and Cal-Maine Sunups brands in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas . Veterans and military families should check their refrigerators immediately for recalled cartons and discard them if identified.

Quick Facts

Understanding the Egg Recall

What Happened?

On July 22, 2026, Midwest Poultry Services initiated a voluntary recall of shell eggs produced at two Texas farms after identifying potential Salmonella contamination through environmental monitoring . On August 12, 2026, the FDA upgraded the recall to Class I—the agency’s highest risk classification, reserved for situations where there is a “reasonable probability” that exposure could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death” .

The CDC has linked the recalled eggs to a multistate Salmonella outbreak with 98 reported illnesses and 26 hospitalizations across 17 states . No deaths have been reported. Genetic testing confirmed that Salmonella samples collected at Midwest Poultry Services farms matched the outbreak strain .

Which Eggs Are Recalled?

All affected eggs are cage-free, brown or white shell eggs in various sizes (medium, large, extra-large, jumbo) sold under these brands :

• Kroger (all sizes)

• Simple Truth (cage-free brown, all sizes)

• Brookshire’s (all sizes)

• Country Morning (all sizes)

• Sunups (Cal-Maine)

Source: 

How to Identify Recalled Eggs

Check your egg cartons for these identifying marks :

1. Look for code P-1950 or 0840962 printed on the right or left side of the carton in date-coding ink

2. Check the Julian date—must be between 157 and 184

3. Check the best-by or sell-by date—between July 20 and August 17, 2026

All three conditions must be met for the eggs to be part of this recall. If your eggs don’t have these codes, they are not affected by this specific recall.

Where Were the Eggs Sold?

Recalled eggs were distributed to retailers and foodservice customers primarily in :

• Texas

• Louisiana

• Oklahoma

• Arkansas

• New Mexico

• Mississippi

Affected retailers include Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery locations across all six states .

What Veterans and Military Families Should Do Now

Step 1: Check Your Refrigerator Immediately

Many recalled eggs have best-by dates extending to August 17, 2026 . Some affected cartons may still be in consumers’ refrigerators. Check every egg carton in your home against the identifying criteria above.

Step 2: Do Not Eat Recalled Eggs

If your eggs match the recall criteria, do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store where you purchased them for a refund .

Step 3: Clean Surfaces and Containers

Salmonella can survive on surfaces that have come into contact with contaminated eggs . Thoroughly clean:

• Refrigerator shelves where eggs were stored

• Countertops and cutting boards

• Utensils and dishes used with eggs

• Any containers that held the eggs

Use hot, soapy water or a dishwasher for items that can go through the cycle .

Step 4: Monitor for Symptoms

Salmonella symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after infection and last 4 to 7 days .

Salmonella: What It Is and Why It’s Dangerous

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonellosis is an illness caused by Salmonella bacteria, primarily resulting in mild to severe acute gastroenteritis . The bacteria can contaminate eggs in two ways:

• External contamination from the eggshell surface

• Internal contamination—Salmonella Enteritidis can be inside perfectly normal-appearing eggs 

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain populations are at significantly higher risk for severe Salmonella infection :

• Children under 5 years old

• Adults 65 years and older

• People with weakened immune systems (including veterans receiving immunosuppressive therapies)

• People with chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease)

VA hospitals serve many veterans who fall into these high-risk categories, making food safety particularly critical for the VA population.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience :

• Diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than 2 days

• Bloody diarrhea or bloody urine

• Fever higher than 102°F

• Signs of dehydration (little or no urination, dark urine, extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness)

VA Food Safety Concerns: Broader Context

Congressional Investigation into VA Food Safety

This egg recall comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of food safety at VA facilities. In 2025, a congressional investigation was launched into food safety concerns at the Palo Alto VA hospital after a fired volunteer alleged the hospital was serving food stored below safe temperatures .

Key findings from the investigation :

• Chili was reportedly served at 65°F below the CDC’s minimum temperature requirement

• A public health expert warned this could lead to E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella contamination

• VA initially labeled allegations “unsubstantiated” despite federal inspection records showing similar violations

• The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations initiated a formal inquiry

Why this matters: Veterans—particularly those in VA facilities—are often older, have compromised immune systems, or have chronic conditions that make foodborne illness more dangerous. Food safety lapses in VA facilities pose a direct threat to veteran health.

Common Questions

What should I do if I have recalled eggs?

Check the carton for code P-1950 or 0840962 and Julian dates 157–184. If your eggs match, do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store for a refund . Clean any surfaces or containers that touched the eggs with hot, soapy water .

What stores sold the recalled eggs?

The recalled eggs were sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery Company locations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas . They may also have been sold at smaller retailers in those states.

What does “Class I recall” mean?

Class I is the FDA’s highest risk level. It means there is a “reasonable probability” that using or being exposed to the product could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death” . This is the most urgent category of recall.

How many people got sick from these eggs?

As of August 2026, the CDC has linked the outbreak to 98 illnesses across 17 states, including 26 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported .

What are the signs of Salmonella infection?

Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food and include watery diarrhea (possibly with blood), fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting . Illness typically lasts 4 to 7 days .

Who is at highest risk for severe Salmonella?

Children under 5, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for severe infection. Salmonella can spread to the bloodstream in these populations, causing life-threatening illness .

How do I clean surfaces that touched recalled eggs?

Use hot, soapy water to wash refrigerator shelves, countertops, utensils, and containers that may have come in contact with the eggs. Dishwasher-safe items should go through a full dishwasher cycle .

Is this egg recall connected to VA facilities?

The recall does not specifically mention VA facilities. However, VA food safety has been under congressional scrutiny, and veterans are a high-risk population for foodborne illness due to age and health conditions . VA facilities should ensure they are not serving recalled eggs.

What if I ate recalled eggs and feel fine?

If you ate recalled eggs but have no symptoms, you are likely fine. Monitor yourself for symptoms for up to 6 days from exposure . If symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider.

What’s the difference between this recall and the 2024 Milo’s Poultry Farms recall?

The 2024 Milo’s Poultry Farms recall was a separate outbreak affecting eggs sold in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan with 93 illnesses . The current recall involves Midwest Poultry Services eggs sold primarily in southern states and has affected 98 people .

Key Takeaways

• The FDA has upgraded a recall of 1.5+ million dozen eggs to Class I—its highest risk level—due to Salmonella contamination linked to 98 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations across 17 states .

• Recalled eggs were sold under Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Country Morning, and Sunups brands in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas .

• Check your egg cartons for code P-1950 or 0840962 with Julian dates 157–184 and best-by dates July 20–August 17, 2026 .

• Do not eat recalled eggs—throw them away or return them to the store for a refund .

• Thoroughly clean any surfaces or containers that touched recalled eggs with hot, soapy water .

• Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and lasting 4 to 7 days .

• Veterans, especially older adults and those with compromised immune systems, are at higher risk for severe Salmonella infection and should be particularly vigilant .

• VA food safety has been under congressional scrutiny following reports of unsafe food storage practices that could lead to Salmonella and other foodborne illnesses .

• If you experience severe symptoms—diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, bloody stool, fever over 102°F, or signs of dehydration—contact your healthcare provider immediately .

Official Resources

Federal Agencies

• FDA Recalls Market Withdrawals: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

• FDA Outbreak Investigation: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness

• CDC Salmonella Homepage: www.cdc.gov/salmonella

• CDC Salmonella Symptoms: www.cdc.gov/salmonella/signs-symptoms

VA Health Resources

• VA Health Care: www.va.gov/health-care

• Find a VA Facility: www.va.gov/find-locations

• VA Benefits Hotline: 800-827-1000

General Resources

• FoodSafety.gov: www.foodsafety.gov

• USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline: 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854)