The Latest Brown Egg Recall Details (October 2025)
In a recent Class I recall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its highest risk warning for eggs produced by the Black Sheep Egg Company, LLC. The recall, initiated in September and updated in October 2025, includes several types of eggs, notably the Free Range Large Grade A Brown Eggs. This was prompted by an FDA inspection that found 40 environmental samples positive for seven different Salmonella strains, leading to the classification that consumption could lead to serious health consequences or death.
The affected products were sold in multiple states, including Arkansas, Missouri, California, Indiana, and Texas. Consumers, retailers, and distributors are advised not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled items. The products can be identified by specific best-by dates and UPC codes, which are detailed in FDA announcements.
Understanding Previous 2025 Egg Recalls
It is important to note that the Black Sheep Egg Company recall is not the only egg-related alert in 2025. In June, the August Egg company recalled brown organic and cage-free eggs linked to a Salmonella outbreak that affected dozens of people in multiple states. The eggs were distributed under various brand names and had specific sell-by dates. These separate incidents highlight that recalls are targeted based on contamination risks identified at specific facilities, not based on the shell color of the egg itself.
How to Identify Recalled Eggs
To determine if your eggs are part of a recall, follow these steps:
- Check the brand name and product description: Confirm if the brand and specific product match the recall notice. For example, the October 2025 recall applies to 'Black Sheep Egg Company branded Free Range Large Grade A Brown Eggs'.
- Match the best-by date: Find the best-by date printed on the end of the carton and compare it to the recall range. The Black Sheep recall involves dates from August 22, 2025, through October 31, 2025.
- Verify the UPC code: For specific retail cartons, check the UPC code. The recalled Black Sheep brown eggs have UPCs 860010568507 and 860010568538.
- Find the plant number: Some older recalls, like the August Egg one, may use a plant number. Check the carton's plant number, often preceded by a 'P', and cross-reference it with the FDA alert.
What to Do If You Have Recalled Eggs
If you find that you have purchased recalled eggs, take the following immediate actions:
- Do not eat them: Dispose of the eggs immediately by throwing them in a sealed container in the trash.
- Return for a refund: Alternatively, return the eggs to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Clean and sanitize: Thoroughly wash and sanitize any containers, surfaces, or utensils that may have come into contact with the raw eggs to prevent cross-contamination.
- Monitor for symptoms: Contact a healthcare provider if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of a Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, fever, or abdominal cramps.
Brown Eggs vs. White Eggs: Color is Irrelevant
Many consumers mistakenly believe that the color of an eggshell indicates superior nutrition or safety. The truth is much simpler. The shell color is determined solely by the breed of the hen that laid the egg. There is no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs of the same size and grade. Recalls are initiated due to bacterial contamination, like Salmonella, which can affect eggs regardless of their shell color. This was evident in the Black Sheep recall, which included both brown and white eggs from the same facility. The factors that influence an egg's safety and nutritional profile are the hen's diet, environment, and overall farming practices, not the shell's pigment.
| Feature | Brown Eggs | White Eggs |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Color Source | Pigment (protoporphyrin) deposited during formation by brown-feathered hens (e.g., Rhode Island Reds) | No pigment deposited, laid by white-feathered hens (e.g., White Leghorns) |
| Nutritional Content | Identical to white eggs of the same size and grade; depends on hen's diet and living conditions | Identical to brown eggs of the same size and grade; depends on hen's diet and living conditions |
| Taste | No scientific difference in taste; any perceived difference is due to freshness or the hen's diet | No scientific difference in taste; any perceived difference is due to freshness or the hen's diet |
| Cost | Often slightly more expensive due to larger, brown-laying hens historically consuming more feed, a trend that persists due to consumer perception | Typically less expensive and more readily available in the US due to efficiency of white-laying hens |
| Recall Risk | Dependent on the specific egg producer and safety protocols, not the shell color | Dependent on the specific egg producer and safety protocols, not the shell color |
The Importance of Safe Egg Handling
Regardless of shell color, all eggs carry a risk of containing Salmonella and require careful handling. According to the FDA, fresh eggs, even with clean, uncracked shells, may harbor bacteria. Consumers can take the following precautions to protect themselves:
- Buy refrigerated eggs: Purchase eggs only from refrigerated cases at the grocery store.
- Check the carton: Before purchasing, open the carton to ensure eggs are clean and free of cracks.
- Store properly: Store eggs in their original carton in the main part of the refrigerator, not the door, at 40°F or below.
- Cook thoroughly: Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm. Avoid recipes calling for raw or undercooked eggs unless pasteurized products are used.
- Prevent cross-contamination: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly with hot, soapy water after handling raw eggs.
For the latest information on food safety alerts and recalls, you can visit the FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page.
Conclusion
While the search for information on whether "are brown eggs on recall?" may have been triggered by recent events, it's crucial to understand that egg recalls are not tied to shell color but to specific food safety issues at a particular facility, such as the Salmonella contamination from Black Sheep Egg Company. The color of an egg is genetically determined and does not affect its nutrition or safety. For all consumers, the most effective defense against foodborne illness is to practice diligent safe food handling, including proper refrigeration, thorough cooking, and staying informed about specific product recalls through official channels like the FDA.
