A Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has spread beyond the Southern states where contaminated eggs were distributed — with cases now confirmed in Georgia and 16 other states across the country.
As of July 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 98 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infections, 26 hospitalizations and no deaths. The investigation, conducted alongside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state public health officials, remains open — and health officials warn the true number of sick people is likely far greater than what has been reported.
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“This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” the CDC noted in its latest update. Many people recover from Salmonella without seeking medical care and are never tested. It also typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an outbreak, meaning recent cases may not yet be counted.
Cases stretch far beyond distribution states
While Texas accounts for the overwhelming majority of reported illnesses — 73 of the 98 confirmed cases — the outbreak’s geographic footprint is raising new questions. Cases have been reported in states where recalled eggs were not listed as being distributed, including Georgia, Arizona, Colorado, New York, Michigan, Nevada, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, California, West Virginia and South Carolina.
Georgia has reported 2 cases.
How scientists connected the cases
CDC investigators used the PulseNet system — a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses — to link the cases together. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), scientists confirmed that bacteria from sick people’s samples are closely related genetically, pointing to a common food source.
The Salmonella Enteritidis strain identified in this outbreak is related to a strain previously found in chicken, eggs and backyard poultry. To further confirm the source, Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. collected samples at its farms in Texas. Those samples tested positive for Salmonella, and WGS conducted by the firm’s third-party laboratory confirmed the samples match the outbreak strain.
The FDA also conducted a traceback investigation based on where sick people reported purchasing or eating eggs, and Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. was identified as a common source. Additional investigation is ongoing to determine whether other sources may also be contributing to illnesses.
Antibiotic resistance adds a layer of concern
Beyond the outbreak’s geographic spread, health officials are flagging a separate concern: antibiotic resistance.
Bacteria from all 98 cases showed predicted nonsusceptibility to ciprofloxacin and resistance to nalidixic acid — two antibiotics that might otherwise be used to treat severe Salmonella infections. In plain terms, if a patient required antibiotic treatment, some standard options may not work, and doctors may need to prescribe a different medication.
Most people with Salmonella recover without antibiotics. But for those who do need treatment, the CDC advises healthcare providers to consult the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) for guidance.
About the recall
On July 22, 2026, Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. recalled 1,589,577 dozen shell eggs due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled eggs were produced in Texas and distributed between June 6 and July 3, 2026, reaching foodservice and retail customers in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
Recalled eggs were available at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana; Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana; and other smaller retail and foodservice outlets in those states, as well as Mississippi and New Mexico.
When to seek emergency care
Call a healthcare provider right away if you or someone in your household experiences any of the following:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than two days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting so severe that liquids cannot be kept down
- Signs of dehydration, including infrequent urination, dry mouth and throat, or dizziness when standing
Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness and should take extra precaution.