WASHINGTON, DC — Federal health officials have ended their investigation into a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to shell eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, L.P., after the CDC declared the outbreak over. The FDA said its outbreak investigation is now complete.
The case involved recalled white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced at the company’s Texas facilities and sold to foodservice and retail customers under multiple brand names and in bulk. Investigators said the eggs were past expiration and should no longer be available for sale.
By the FDA’s latest update, 134 people in 18 states had been reported sick with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis. Thirty-four people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.
Federal investigators traced the illnesses to Texas-produced shell eggs
The FDA said epidemiological, laboratory, and traceback evidence pointed to shell eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services in Texas as a likely source of the outbreak. The agency inspected the company and collected environmental samples during the investigation.
Three samples collected during the inspection tested positive for Salmonella and matched the outbreak strain through whole genome sequencing. That laboratory result strengthened the connection between the facility and the illnesses reported across the country.
Officials also noted that the company proactively recalled all white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs produced at its Texas facilities on July 22, 2026. The recall covered eggs produced between June 6 and July 3, 2026.
Illnesses stretched from late 2025 into August 2026
According to CDC data cited by the FDA, illness onset dates ranged from November 21, 2025, through August 12, 2026. The outbreak ultimately covered a long period, even though the recall came in July.
Federal officials said 46 of the 54 ill people with available information, or 85%, reported eating eggs before getting sick. In an earlier update, the CDC had reported 98 illnesses in 17 states, showing how the case count expanded as the investigation continued.
The FDA said the later total of 134 illnesses came from 18 states, with cases reported in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia.
Stores in Texas, Louisiana and nearby states received the recalled eggs
The recalled eggs were shipped to foodservice and retail customers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, according to the FDA. Some of the products also reached consumers at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana and Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Federal officials said smaller retail and foodservice outlets in Mississippi and New Mexico also received the recalled products. Distribution was confirmed in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, though the FDA warned the eggs could have reached additional states.
The agency emphasized that all recalled shell eggs should no longer be available for sale. Because the products were past expiration, officials said they should not remain in commerce.
How the recalled cartons were identified by code and date
The recall covered white shell eggs and brown cage-free shell eggs distributed from farms in Texas with sell-by or best-by dates from July 20, 2026, through August 17, 2026. The cartons carried identifying code information printed in date-coding ink on the left or right side.
Only cartons marked with plant codes P-1950 or 0840962 and a Julian date between 157 and 184 were included in the recall. FDA said examples of the plant and date information were posted with the recall notice for shoppers and businesses to check their inventory.
The company said the eggs were produced and distributed from Texas between June 6 and July 3, 2026. That production window helped investigators narrow which cartons were affected by the recall.
What consumers, restaurants and retailers should do now
The FDA told consumers, restaurants, and retailers that received recalled eggs to throw them away or return them for a refund. Anyone who handled the eggs was advised to clean and sanitize surfaces, containers, utensils, and any other areas that may have touched the product.
Health officials also stressed basic food-safety steps for raw eggs and foods made with them, including washing hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling. The FDA said extra care is needed to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
People who develop symptoms of Salmonella infection should contact a health care provider. The FDA said illness typically begins 12 to 72 hours after exposure and can include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, with young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems at greater risk for severe infection.
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