Salmonella Fears Prompt Recall of More Than 6 Million Eggs

Consumers in several states are being urged to check their egg cartons after more than six million eggs were recalled by the Black Sheep Egg Company due to possible Salmonella contamination. The voluntary recall, announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affects dozens of products distributed across multiple states under both the Black Sheep and Kenz Henz brand names.

The FDA’s recall alert, issued on October 14, classified the situation as a Class I recall, the agency’s most serious level, indicating “a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

According to the FDA, testing at the company’s Arkansas processing center revealed widespread contamination. “Of the samples collected, 40 environmental samples were positive for Salmonella, including seven different strains of Salmonella. Some of these strains are known to cause human illness,” the FDA said in its announcement.

At this time, there have been no confirmed cases of illness linked to the recalled eggs.

What Products Are Included in the Recall?

The recall covers a broad range of Black Sheep Egg Company-branded Free Range Large Grade A and Grade AA eggs sold between July 9 and September 17, 2025, in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, California, and Indiana. The company noted that the eggs were distributed to both retail and wholesale locations, including “broker locations” that may have repackaged and resold them under different brand names.

The following products were listed in the initial recall:

• Free Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs, 12-count cartons, UPC 860010568507, Best By 8/22/25–10/31/25 (23,625 dozen)

• Free Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs, 18-count cartons, UPC 860010568538, Best By 8/22/25–10/31/25 (16,245 dozen)

• Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, loose-packed, 15 dozen per box, Best By 8/22/25–10/31/25 (20,625 dozen)

• Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, loose-packed, 15 dozen per box, Best By 8/22/25–10/31/25 (14,220 dozen)

• Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, loose open skid, 900 dozen per pallet, Sell By 8/7/25–10/16/25 (288,900 dozen)

• Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, loose open skid, 900 dozen per pallet, Sell By 8/7/25–10/16/25 (58,500 dozen)

• Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs, loose open skid, 900 dozen per pallet, Sell By 8/7/25–10/16/25 (7,200 dozen)

• Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs, loose open skid, 900 dozen per pallet, Sell By 8/7/25–10/16/25 (46,800 dozen)

• Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs, 12-count cartons, 15 dozen per box, Best By 8/22/25–10/31/25 (23,400 dozen)

• Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs, 18-count cartons, 15 dozen per box, Best By 8/22/25–10/31/25 (23,400 dozen)

The UPC codes 860010568507 and 860010568538 are among the primary identifiers for consumers checking their egg cartons.

Recall Expansion: Kenz Henz Eggs Also Affected

Following the initial alert, Texas-based Kenz Henz announced on October 16 that it was recalling 12-count cartons of Grade AA Large Pasture Raised eggs supplied by Black Sheep Egg Company. The eggs were sold at retail stores in Houston.

Affected Kenz Henz cartons are marked with:

• UPC: 86949400030

• Julian Dates: 241 (Aug 30) to 244 (Sep 2) and 246 (Sep 4) to 247 (Sep 5)

• Best By Dates: 10/11 to 10/14 and 10/16 to 10/17

Kenz Henz said it was taking action “out of an abundance of caution” and is cooperating fully with the FDA to remove all affected inventory from store shelves.

What Should Consumers Do?

Consumers are advised not to eat or serve any eggs included in the recall. The FDA recommends that recalled eggs be thrown away immediately or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

If eggs have already been removed from their original cartons and consumers are unsure whether they are part of the affected lots, officials say it’s best to discard them and sanitize any surfaces or containers they may have touched.

While no illnesses have been confirmed, health authorities are urging the public to stay alert for symptoms of Salmonella infection, which can appear 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food.

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Nausea or vomiting

• Abdominal cramps

Most healthy adults recover within four to seven days, but the infection can be more severe in young children, elderly adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Anyone experiencing prolonged or severe symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

Company Response and FDA Statement

In a statement posted on Facebook, Black Sheep Egg Company emphasized that all eggs tested by the company itself showed no signs of contamination and that Salmonella was only found on some non-food contact surfaces within its Arkansas facility.

“Out of an abundance of caution and with the safety of our consumers in mind, we made the proactive decision to initiate a voluntary recall on certain lots of eggs,” the company said. “We wish to confirm that our available eggs are safe to eat.”

The FDA, however, confirmed that the presence of Salmonella in the environment of a food production facility poses a potential contamination risk, even if no contaminated eggs were found. The agency continues to monitor the situation and has urged consumers and retailers to review inventory carefully.

The Bigger Picture: Food Safety and Recent Recalls

The Black Sheep Egg Company recall is one of several major food safety alerts issued this year. The FDA has ramped up its testing programs following multiple Salmonella and Listeria outbreaks in 2025 linked to eggs, produce, and ready-to-eat foods.

Experts note that while voluntary recalls often occur before widespread illness, they underscore the importance of robust monitoring systems and transparency in the food industry.

Consumers are advised to stay informed by checking the FDA’s recall database regularly and practicing safe food-handling habits—such as cooking eggs thoroughly and washing hands and surfaces after contact with raw egg products.

As investigations continue, both Black Sheep Egg Company and the FDA say their priority remains “ensuring that all affected products are removed from circulation and that consumers remain safe.”

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