U.S. federal health officials have confirmed a multistate Salmonella enteritidis outbreak linked to commercial shell eggs, sickening at least 98 people across 17 states since late November and leading to at least 26 hospitalizations. Investigators from the FDA and CDC traced the outbreak strain to large-scale poultry facilities operated by Midwest Poultry Services in Texas, after farm swab samples genetically matched patient isolates. The discovery prompted extensive recalls at major chains including Kroger and Brookshire Grocery across several southern states. Authorities urge consumers and food-service operators to discard recalled eggs, check brand and date codes, and thoroughly sanitize storage areas.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.