Midwest Poultry Services recalls 1.6 million dozen eggs over salmonella

A significant recall of egg products is underway across the American South following the discovery of potential salmonella contamination. Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. Initiated a voluntary recall, pulling nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from retail and wholesale distribution channels. This development follows internal safety protocols implemented by the company at its production facilities.

Scope and Distribution

The recall impacts a total of 1,589,577 dozen eggs, encompassing both white-shell and brown cage-free varieties. These products originated from two specific farms operated by Midwest Poultry Services in Texas. The distribution of the affected eggs spanned six states: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Mississippi.

According to reporting by Aol, the eggs reached consumers through several major retail chains. Kroger locations in Texas and Louisiana, as well as Brookshire Grocery stores throughout the six-state region, are among the primary retailers identified. The eggs were also supplied to a variety of smaller retail outlets and bulk foodservice providers.

The products were sold under multiple brand names, including:

• Kroger
• Simple Truth
• Brookshire's
• Country Morning
• Sunups

Identifying Affected Products

Consumers are advised to inspect their egg cartons for specific identifying codes to determine if their purchase is part of the recall. Midwest Poultry Services states that the recall is limited to cartons featuring the plant code P-1950 or 0840962. Furthermore, these cartons will feature a Julian date—printed in date-coding ink on the side of the carton—falling between 157 and 184.

The products in question were produced between June 6 and July 3. Retailers and consumers should look for sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 to August 17. The recalled inventory includes a variety of packaging sizes, ranging from 6-count cartons to 60-count flats, in addition to the aforementioned bulk foodservice packs.

Risk Factors and Health Concerns

The presence of Salmonella Enteritidis poses a health risk to the public. While symptoms in healthy individuals typically manifest as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping, the bacteria can cause more severe, and occasionally fatal, infections in vulnerable populations. Those at heightened risk include young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

In rare instances, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to serious medical complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis. As of the announcement, Midwest Poultry Services reported that no illnesses had been linked to the consumption of these eggs.

Internal Monitoring and Company Response

Midwest Poultry Services maintains that the contamination risk was identified through its own “proactive environmental monitoring practices and root cause analysis” conducted at its Texas farms. In response to the findings, the company has paused the distribution of all fresh eggs produced at those specific sites.

The company is currently coordinating with federal authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to manage the recall process. Shoppers who possess any of the affected eggs are instructed to refrain from consumption and to return the product to the place of purchase to receive a full refund.

For those seeking clarification, Midwest Poultry Services has established a dedicated contact point for consumer questions. The company is reachable at 574-405-9531 or via email at [email protected] during operating hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.