Check Your Egg Carton: FDA Recall of Midwest Poultry Services Shell Eggs for Possible Salmonella
If your household buys shell eggs, take two minutes today to check your egg carton. The FDA is warning consumers not to eat certain Midwest Poultry Services LP shell eggs because they may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.
The action is clear: if your carton matches the exact identifiers and date range in the FDA notice, do not eat the eggs. Instead, return the product for a full refund (details are below).
2-minute carton check (the exact identifiers)
Before you decide what to do, look at the printing on the carton you have at home. You’re checking for all of the following:
- Carton codes: P-1950 or 0840962
- Julian date-coding ink range: 157–184
- Best-by / sell-by window: July 20 through August 17, 2026
If your carton has a different plant/carton code or the best-by/sell-by date falls outside that window, then the recall may not apply to your eggs—focus only on cartons that match what FDA lists.
What to do if you have the recalled eggs
- Do not eat them. Set the carton aside so it doesn’t get used by accident.
- Return for a full refund. FDA’s consumer guidance for this recall instructs shoppers to return the recalled eggs to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Keep the carton until you return it. The carton identifiers and date window are what you’ll need to confirm eligibility for the refund.
- When in doubt, verify the carton. If you can’t find the codes/dates on the carton, don’t guess—check carefully or hold the carton aside until you can confirm.
Context on distribution/retailers: FDA notes that the eggs were available in multiple states and at retailers including Kroger and Brookshire’s (as stated in the FDA notice). Because availability can vary by store and timing, the carton identifiers matter more than the store name.
Kitchen cleanup checklist (reduce Salmonella risk)
Even if you’re returning the eggs, use the moment to protect your family from cross-contamination. Practical steps:
- Do not wash eggs. Washing can spread bacteria around your sink and counter.
- Keep raw egg away from ready-to-eat foods. Don’t let egg shells or drips touch produce, bread, or anything that won’t be cooked again.
- Discard or safely bag shell pieces. If you opened the carton, keep any shells contained so they don’t contaminate other surfaces.
- Sanitize counters and the sink area. Clean first, then sanitize the surfaces that may have contacted egg (countertops, stovetop areas, sink basin). Follow the product label on whatever sanitizer you use.
- Clean utensils and cookware right away. Wash spatulas, bowls, and pans that touched raw eggs with hot soapy water; then sanitize if your routine uses it.
- Handwashing every time. Wash hands with soap and warm water after touching raw eggs, cracked eggs, egg containers, or surfaces that may have residue.
Who should be extra careful
Salmonella can cause more severe illness in higher-risk groups. Be especially cautious if anyone in your home is:
- Young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant people
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
This matters because preventing exposure—by not eating the recalled eggs and by cleaning properly—reduces the chance of bacteria getting into mouths through hands, surfaces, or kitchen tools.
If someone may have eaten the eggs
If anyone develops symptoms consistent with Salmonella—such as fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or vomiting—after eating eggs from a carton that matches the FDA identifiers, contact a healthcare professional promptly.
When you call, mention that the person may have eaten Midwest Poultry Services shell eggs included in an FDA recall for possible Salmonella Enteritidis. For additional consumer-friendly next steps during recall situations, FoodSafety.gov also summarizes how to respond.
Stay updated (so your next grocery trip is calmer)
For the most current recall information, rely on the FDA recall listing and the FDA outbreak/egg-related updates. Checking those pages periodically can help you avoid relying on rumors or outdated summaries.
Today’s simple takeaway: Find your carton codes (P-1950 or 0840962), confirm the Julian date coding ink range (157–184), and verify the best-by/sell-by window (July 20–August 17, 2026). If they match, do not eat the eggs—return for a full refund.
