This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upgraded a recall of over six million eggs to Class I, its most severe designation, after finding several strains of Salmonella in eggs produced by the Black Sheep Egg Company of Arkansas.
This status indicates a “reasonable probability” that consuming the recalled eggs could lead to serious health consequences or death.
Recalled Products and Affected Varieties
The recall covers various Black Sheep Egg Company products, including:
- Free Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs
- Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs
- Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs
- Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs
- Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs
Consumers should check product codes, sizes, and expiration dates to see if their eggs are among those recalled.
Where the Eggs Were Distributed
The eggs were sent to retail and wholesale venues in Arkansas and Missouri, and to broker and wholesale entities in Mississippi, Texas, California, and Indiana. Some of the products may have been repackaged by secondary distributors, complicating traceability.
Why the Recall Is Serious
During inspections at the Black Sheep facility, the FDA found 40 environmental samples positive for Salmonella, including multiple strains known to cause illness.
No widespread outbreak has been confirmed yet, but authorities emphasize that people—especially young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—should treat any exposure seriously.
What You Should Do Now
- Inspect your refrigerator for any eggs matching the recalled varieties.
- Do not eat them—either dispose of the eggs or return them to the place of purchase.
- Clean and sanitize any containers, surfaces, or utensils that may have touched the eggs.
- Monitor yourself or family members for symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or abdominal cramping.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms present, especially for high-risk individuals.
What Happens Next
The FDA, along with the egg producer, continues to investigate and might widen the recall if necessary. Retailers and food services have been asked to halt sales of the tainted eggs immediately and remove them from inventory.
