Scan your shelves for cartons from Black Sheep Egg Company. The company voluntarily recalled more than 6 million eggs after the US Food and Drug Administration found environmental samples at one of its processing centers tested positive for salmonella.
Read more: How Long Do Eggs Really Last in the Fridge? An Expert Explains
“Of the samples collected, 40 environmental samples were positive for salmonella including seven different strains of salmonella,” said the initial recall alert from the FDA. “Some of these strains are known to cause human illness.”
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While multiple Black Sheep Egg Company products have been affected by this recall, the FDA identified 12- and 18-count cartons of Black Sheep Egg Company Free Range Large Grade A Brown Eggs as Class 1.
This is the agency’s highest-severity level recall, and it warns against consuming a product that could “cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Which products are affected by the recall?
The recall doesn’t affect every Black Sheep Egg Company egg carton, but check the eggs in your fridge.
You should get rid of the following products if they have a Best By date between Aug. 7 and Oct. 31, or a UPC code that reads 860010568507 or 860010568538:
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Free Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs, 12-count cartons
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Free Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs, 18-count cartons
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Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, loose-packed in boxes
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Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, loose-packed in boxes
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Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, loose open skid
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Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, loose open skid
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Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs, loose open skid
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Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs, loose open skid
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Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs, 12-count cartons
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Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs, 18-count cartons
Additionally, Black Sheep Egg Company is a supplier for Kenz Henz in Texas. Kenz Henz is also issuing a voluntary recall of the following product if it has a Best By date between Oct. 11 and Oct. 17 and a UPC code of 86949400030:
The FDA identified the source of the eggs, but not necessarily every single distribution point.
Where did the affected eggs come from?
According to the FDA, the salmonella samples were found in Black Sheep Egg Company’s Arkansas processing center.
While Black Sheep Egg Company cooperated with the FDA and voluntarily recalled the potentially contaminated eggs, it had already shipped products to other companies within Arkansas and Missouri. These eggs may have been repackaged and further distributed to other states, so this recall could expand over time.
What should I do if I find the affected eggs in my fridge?
If you find a recalled Black Sheep Egg Company or Kenz Henz product in your refrigerator, discard it immediately. If you’ve eaten any eggs, monitor yourself for signs of illness.
“Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating food that is contaminated with salmonella, and the symptoms usually last four to seven days,” the FDA statement said. “Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.”
If you believe you’ve developed symptoms of a salmonella infection, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
If you find affected eggs in your home, carefully sanitize any countertops, surfaces or containers the eggs have touched. Wash utensils and cooking implements with hot soapy water, then wash your hands afterward.
