FDA Classifies Egg Recall as Class I for Highest Health Risk

The Food and Drug Administration has classified an egg recall this week as a Category I, its highest‑risk designation, noting that consumption could result in serious adverse health effects or death.

Midwest Poultry Services voluntarily recalled 19 million eggs in July as a precautionary step; the affected white‑shell and brown‑cage‑free eggs were sold under various brands in groceries across six states. The recall was initiated after testing revealed salmonella contamination at farms in Texas.

According to the FDA, between November 21 2025 and June 30 2026 Nearly 100 salmonella cases were reported in 17 states, resulting in 26 hospitalizations. No deaths have been confirmed to date.

On Wednesday, the FDA formally labeled the recall as a Category I—the most severe public‑health alert—reflecting the seriousness of the threat.

A spokesperson for Midwest Poultry referenced a statement from Emily Metz, president and chief executive of the American Egg Board, saying the recall was issued out of a precautionary approach and had already been completed.

“What you’re seeing in the news today is not a new recall,” the statement read. “Midwest Poultry voluntarily recalled affected eggs out of an abundance of caution for consumer health and safety, and that recall is already complete.”

The FDA added that the implicated eggs constitute only one portion of the larger salmonella outbreak, and called the designation based on risk assessment rather than an alteration of any earlier voluntary warning.

Further investigation continues to determine whether other sources of illness exist beyond the recalled product.

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