A major egg recall is underway, with over 6 million eggs potentially contaminated with salmonella. This poses a significant health risk, and consumers need to be aware of the affected brands and what steps to take. Salmonella poisoning can lead to severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. This article will provide a detailed overview of the recall, including the affected brands, what to do if you have purchased the recalled eggs, and the symptoms of salmonella poisoning.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings following voluntary recalls by The Black Sheep Egg Company and Kenz Henz. These recalls are due to the detection of salmonella in samples taken from processing centers. Understanding the scope and impact of these recalls is crucial for protecting public health.
We’ll cover the specific egg brands and product codes involved, the geographic areas where the recalled eggs were distributed, and guidelines on how to handle potentially contaminated eggs. Additionally, we’ll discuss the symptoms of salmonella poisoning and when to seek medical attention. Stay informed to ensure your safety and the safety of your family.
Which Egg Brands Are Recalled?
Several brands are involved in the recent egg recall due to potential salmonella contamination. The primary companies initiating the recalls are The Black Sheep Egg Company and Kenz Henz. It’s essential to know the specific products and dates to determine if you have purchased any of the affected eggs.
The Black Sheep Egg Company issued a voluntary recall on September 29 after FDA testing revealed multiple strains of salmonella in samples from their Arkansas processing center. This recall includes 12-count and 18-count cartons of free-range large grade A brown eggs. The best-by dates range from August 22, 2025, to October 31, 2025, with UPC codes 860010568507 and 860010568538, respectively.
Kenz Henz also issued a recall for its 12-count egg cartons of grade AA large pasture-raised eggs. These eggs were sold in retail stores in Houston, TX. The best-by dates for the recalled Kenz Henz eggs are between October 11-14 and October 16-17, with the UPC code 86949400030. As of October 17, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the Kenz Henz recall, according to the FDA advisory.
Consumers should check their egg cartons for these brands, dates, and UPC codes to ensure they are not in possession of the recalled products. Because Black Sheep distributes eggs to wholesalers and retailers, some eggs may have been rebranded with different packaging, making it critical to check for the original details when possible.
Specific Products and Codes to Check
To ensure you’re not in possession of recalled eggs, verify the following product details:
- Black Sheep Egg Company:
- 12-count cartons of free-range large grade A brown eggs
- Best by dates: 8/22/2025 – 10/31/2025
- UPC: 860010568507
- 18-count cartons of free-range large grade A brown eggs
- Best by dates: 8/22/2025 – 10/31/2025
- UPC: 860010568538
- Kenz Henz:
- 12-count cartons of grade AA large pasture-raised eggs
- Best by dates: 10/11-10/14 and 10/16-10/17
- UPC: 86949400030
- Sold in retail stores in Houston, TX
Recalled products from The Black Sheep Egg Company were distributed to retailers and wholesale companies in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, California, and Indiana between July 9, 2025, and September 17, 2025. These eggs may have been repackaged under different brand names, so it is essential to check the dates and codes even if the packaging looks different.
The FDA is continuing its investigation and may update the recall list as more potentially contaminated products are identified. Stay informed by regularly checking updates from official sources.
What to Do If You Have Recalled Eggs
If you find that you have purchased eggs included in the recall, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your family. The FDA advises consumers, restaurants, and retailers not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled eggs.
Do not consume the eggs: The primary step is to avoid eating the recalled eggs. Salmonella contamination can cause serious illness, and it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Return or dispose of the eggs: You can return the eggs to the place of purchase for a full refund. If that’s not possible, dispose of them immediately. Ensure that you discard the eggs in a sealed bag to prevent accidental consumption by others or animals.
Clean and sanitize: Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled eggs. Use hot, soapy water to wash your hands, utensils, and any surfaces in your refrigerator or pantry where the eggs were stored. A diluted bleach solution can also be used for sanitizing.
If you have eggs in your refrigerator without a label and are unsure whether they could be part of the recall, it’s best to throw them away. Your health and safety are the top priority.
Recognizing Salmonella Poisoning Symptoms
It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of salmonella poisoning, as early detection can help manage the illness effectively. Symptoms typically appear six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria.
The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually last for four to seven days. While most healthy individuals recover without medical treatment, certain groups are at higher risk for more severe illness.
Children under 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe complications from salmonella poisoning. In these cases, medical treatment or hospitalization may be necessary.
The CDC advises contacting your health care professional if you experience any of the following severe symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Diarrhea that lasts for more than three days without improvement
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting so severe that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness upon standing
If you suspect you have salmonella poisoning, seek medical attention promptly.
Preventing Salmonella Contamination
Preventing salmonella contamination is key to avoiding illness. Follow these guidelines to reduce your risk:
Proper Handling: Always wash your hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling raw eggs or raw egg-containing foods. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria from your hands to other surfaces or foods.
Cooking Thoroughly: Cook eggs thoroughly until both the yolk and white are firm. Use a food thermometer to ensure that egg dishes reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This kills any potential salmonella bacteria.
Avoid Raw Eggs: Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs in dishes like homemade mayonnaise, Caesar salad dressing, and certain desserts. If a recipe calls for raw eggs, consider using pasteurized egg products.
Refrigeration: Store eggs in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Keep them in their original carton to prevent them from absorbing odors and flavors from other foods in the refrigerator.
Cleanliness: Clean and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that come into contact with raw eggs. Use hot, soapy water and a bleach solution to disinfect cutting boards, countertops, and cooking utensils.
By following these prevention tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of salmonella contamination and protect your health.
Final Thoughts on the Egg Recall
In conclusion, the recall of over 6 million eggs due to potential salmonella contamination is a significant concern for consumers. It’s crucial to stay informed about the affected brands, product codes, and best-by dates to ensure the safety of your food supply. The Black Sheep Egg Company and Kenz Henz recalls highlight the importance of vigilance in food safety practices.
If you have purchased any of the recalled eggs, do not consume them. Return them to the store for a refund or dispose of them properly. Clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the eggs to prevent the spread of salmonella bacteria.
Recognizing the symptoms of salmonella poisoning is essential. If you experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, especially if you belong to a vulnerable population, seek medical attention promptly. By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself and your family from the risks associated with salmonella contamination.
Stay updated on the latest food safety recalls and advisories from the FDA and other reliable sources to ensure you have the most current information. Vigilance and responsible food handling practices are key to maintaining a safe and healthy lifestyle.
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