FDA Warns Against Consuming Black Sheep Egg Company Eggs Amid Expanding Salmonella Recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers, retailers, and distributors not to eat, sell, or serve eggs produced by Black Sheep Egg Company following a widening recall tied to potential Salmonella contamination. The federal warning, issued on October 20, 2025, follows growing concern that contaminated eggs distributed through third-party brands have reached store shelves across several states.
One of the latest companies affected is Kenz Henz, a Santa Fe, Texas–based distributor that announced on October 16, 2025, that it was recalling its 12-count packages of Kenz Henz brand Grade AA Large Pasture Raised Eggs (FDA.gov). The company confirmed the eggs originated from Black Sheep Egg Company and “have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella,” according to the official FDA recall notice.
The recall underscores the far-reaching risks of contamination in centralized egg supply chains, where a single contaminated batch can impact multiple retail brands and regions before the problem is detected.
Details of the Kenz Henz Recall
According to the FDA, the recalled Kenz Henz “Grade AA Large Pasture Raised Eggs” were sold in 12-count cartons at retail stores in Houston, Texas. The affected packages can be identified by UPC code 86949400030, Julian dates 241 (Aug 30) to 244 (Sep 2) and 246 (Sep 4) to 247 (Sep 5), and best-by dates ranging from October 11–14 and October 16–17.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators immediately and avoid consuming any eggs matching these identifying marks. The FDA further noted that “additional products may be added to this advisory as information becomes available,” signaling that the full scope of affected distribution could expand in the coming days.
The recalled eggs were distributed exclusively through Houston-area retailers, but the involvement of multiple regional brands in the larger Black Sheep Egg Company network has prompted a broader federal advisory to halt sales and service of all potentially affected products until further notice.
Why the FDA Is Taking Action
The FDA’s October 20 advisory emphasizes that the agency is acting “out of an abundance of caution” after identifying epidemiologic and traceability links between reported Salmonella infections and eggs produced by Black Sheep Egg Company. Laboratory testing on environmental samples collected at the production facility detected the presence of Salmonella enterica, the pathogen responsible for thousands of foodborne illnesses in the United States each year.
In its announcement, the FDA stated that “consumers, retailers, and distributors should not eat, sell, or serve any recalled eggs from Black Sheep Egg Company, regardless of brand label or packaging size, until the investigation is complete” (FDA, 2025). This language signals that the agency is taking a preventive stance while investigators determine whether contaminated eggs reached additional markets.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are collaborating with the FDA on the investigation, tracing distribution records and conducting genetic sequencing to determine whether human illnesses may be linked to the same Salmonella strain found at the production site.
Why Eggs Are a Frequent Source of Salmonella
Eggs remain one of the most common sources of Salmonella infections globally. The bacteria are typically introduced during the laying process when infected hens pass Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis to eggs internally before the shell forms, or externally through contact with contaminated feces or surfaces in production environments.
According to the CDC, “People infected with Salmonella often develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.” The agency notes that while most people recover without antibiotics, severe cases can result in bloodstream infections, hospitalization, or death, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The FDA’s Egg Safety Rule, enacted in 2010, requires large producers to implement biosecurity measures and temperature controls to prevent contamination. However, sporadic outbreaks still occur due to environmental contamination, cross-contact, and lapses in temperature management during transport and retail storage.
How Egg Recalls Typically Work
When contamination is suspected, the recall process typically begins at the producer level, followed by voluntary recalls from distributors and co-packers that rebrand or resell the product. In this case, Black Sheep Egg Company notified downstream buyers, including Kenz Henz, after internal and federal investigations identified potential contamination.
Retailers must then remove affected products from shelves and notify consumers through posted recall alerts and online announcements. The FDA coordinates with state and local agencies to verify that all recalled products are properly accounted for and that no additional contaminated lots remain in circulation.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Kenz Henz Grade AA Large Pasture Raised Eggs are urged not to consume them and to dispose of the products safely. Refunds may be available at the original point of purchase.
A Pattern of Egg-Related Recalls
The Black Sheep Egg Company recall follows several significant Salmonella-related egg incidents over the past decade.
In 2025, Country Eggs, LLC issued a recall of its Sunshine Yolks Large Brown Cage-Free Eggs after internal testing detected Salmonella enterica. The eggs were distributed across California and Nevada, 92 reported instances of illness.
Rose Acre Farms, one of the largest egg producers in the United States, recalled more than 200 million eggs (FDA.gov) following a multi-state outbreak that sickened at least 45 people. The recall spurred renewed attention to the complexity of egg distribution networks, where a single contaminated batch can affect dozens of retailers.
Why Ready-to-Eat and Retail Eggs Pose High Risk
While most eggs are cooked before consumption, some retail-prepared foods, such as deli salads, fresh pasta dishes, and breakfast sandwiches, may contain undercooked or raw eggs that can harbor live Salmonella. Improper temperature control during transport or display can allow bacterial growth to reach infectious levels.
In many recent outbreaks, Salmonella infections occurred not because of raw eggs alone but due to cross-contamination within kitchens or food-service settings. Contaminated shells or cartons can spread bacteria to countertops and other ingredients, even if the eggs themselves are cooked afterward.
For retailers and consumers alike, maintaining proper refrigeration at or below 40°F (4°C) is critical. Eggs should be cooked until both yolks and whites are firm, and foods containing eggs should be held hot above 140°F (60°C) or refrigerated promptly after service.
Lessons from Past Outbreaks: Traceability and Transparency
Traceability gaps remain one of the biggest challenges in modern food-safety management. The FDA’s Food Traceability Final Rule, effective January 2026, will require companies that manufacture, process, or pack high-risk foods, including shell eggs, to maintain enhanced records tracing each product’s path “one step forward and one step back” through the supply chain.
In the 2018 Rose Acre Farms outbreak, investigators traced contaminated eggs back to a single production plant in Hyde County, North Carolina, using barcodes and shipping manifests. Despite these improvements, delays in identifying distribution partners often mean that contaminated eggs are sold and consumed before recalls take effect.
As the Black Sheep Egg Company investigation continues, federal agencies are urging distributors and retailers to cooperate quickly with traceback requests and preserve all relevant shipping documentation.
Impact on Consumers and Retailers
For consumers, the most immediate concern is whether contaminated eggs are already in their kitchens. Salmonella cannot be detected by smell, sight, or taste, and even a small number of bacteria can cause illness. Those who purchased eggs bearing the affected codes should discard them immediately and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the cartons.
Retailers face reputational and logistical challenges. Product removals can be costly, and food-service providers must verify that none of their suppliers used affected eggs in pre-made products. Grocery stores and restaurants in Houston, where Kenz Henz eggs were sold, have been instructed by local health departments to check inventory lists and maintain proof of disposal.
In large-scale outbreaks, the FDA and CDC sometimes conduct follow-up inspections to confirm that contaminated products are no longer in circulation and that affected facilities have implemented corrective actions.
Analysis & Next Steps
What’s New:
The FDA has expanded its advisory on Black Sheep Egg Company eggs to include Kenz Henz Grade AA Large Pasture Raised Eggs sold in Houston, Texas, marking a growing recall footprint. The advisory warns that Salmonella enterica may have contaminated multiple batches distributed across several brands.
Why It Matters:
Eggs are a high-volume, staple food product, and even limited contamination can cause widespread risk. Salmonella infections are among the leading causes of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for an estimated 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths each year (CDC.gov). Vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals, are at greatest risk of severe disease.
Who’s Affected:
Consumers in Houston who purchased Kenz Henz eggs, as well as distributors and retailers sourcing from Black Sheep Egg Company, are directly impacted. The ripple effects extend to grocery chains, restaurants, and other private-label brands that may have sourced from the same production lots.
What To Do Now:
Consumers should immediately check packaging for the listed UPC and Julian dates, discard affected eggs, and sanitize storage areas. Retailers must remove affected stock and maintain documentation of corrective actions. The FDA and CDC will continue testing and tracing the source of contamination; additional products may be added to the recall as results come in.
Final Note
The broader takeaway is clear: egg safety requires constant vigilance, from farm sanitation to consumer handling. This recall serves as a reminder that even trusted local brands depend on national supply chains where a single lapse can have far-reaching consequences.
