The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported Friday that a salmonella outbreak linked to shell eggs has affected 98 people across 17 states. The onset of illnesses occurred between November 21 and June 30. While no fatalities have been recorded, federal health officials stated that 26 individuals required hospitalization.
Investigators identified shell eggs distributed by Indiana-based Midwest Poultry Services as a likely source of the outbreak. The company previously issued a recall for eggs produced at Texas farms between June 6 and July 3. However, the FDA noted that Midwest Poultry Services does not account for every reported illness in the current outbreak.
Recalled eggs were distributed to Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, as well as Brookshire Grocery locations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi. The affected products carry sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 to August 17. The FDA advised consumers to either discard these products or return them for a refund.
Genetic testing conducted on samples from the Texas farms matched the bacterial strain found in affected patients, according to federal officials. Salmonella typically causes symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, with most individuals recovering within a week without specific treatment.