H-E-B and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued a voluntary recall of Kenz Henz Grade AA Large Pasture Raised Eggs due to potential Salmonella contamination, affecting thousands of cartons sold in Houston-area stores. The recall impacts 12-count cartons labeled with UPC code 86949400030 and Julian date ranges from 241 (Aug. 30) to 247 (Sept. 5), as well as best-by dates between October 11 and October 17, 2025. All products have since been removed from H-E-B shelves, and consumers are urged not to consume the eggs and instead discard or return them for a full refund.​

The Santa Fe, Texas-based producer Kenz Henz announced the recall on October 16, following an FDA inspection that detected 40 positive samples of Salmonella — including seven strains known to cause serious human illness — at the Black Sheep Egg Company processing facility that supplies the recalled eggs. Although no illnesses have been reported as of this week, the FDA classified the recall as a Class I food safety threat, meaning exposure could result in serious health complications or death for certain individuals. The affected eggs were sold exclusively in Houston, making the recall a significant local concern given the widespread distribution of H-E-B stores across the region.​

What Consumers Should Know

Salmonella infections typically manifest within 12 to 72 hours of consumption and can cause symptoms like fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. While most people recover without treatment, severe cases can cause bloodstream infections, endocarditis, or arthritis, particularly in children, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The FDA advises anyone who suspects exposure to contact their healthcare provider immediately.​

Consumers can identify potentially contaminated Kenz Henz eggs by looking for the following details on the side of the carton:

• UPC code: 86949400030

• Julian dates: 241–244 (Aug. 30–Sept. 2) and 246–247 (Sept. 4–5)

• Best-by dates: Oct. 11–14 and Oct. 16–17
  Any eggs matching this description should be discarded or returned to any H-E-B store service desk for a full refund, no receipt required.​

Source of Contamination

The contamination traces back to Black Sheep Egg Company, which partners with small regional brands, including Kenz Henz, to distribute pasture-raised and free-range eggs throughout Texas. FDA investigators collected samples showing multiple Salmonella strains present in the company’s environment, though no conclusive link has been established between those strains and consumer illnesses. The FDA continues to monitor the situation alongside Texas Department of State Health Services as the recall expands to include related eggs from other brands connected to the same facility.​

This is not the first major egg recall of 2025. Earlier in the year, another incident led to 6 million eggs pulled nationwide after similar contamination risks were found in California and Nevada farms, reflecting an escalating issue in the egg production industry with Salmonella control and egg sanitation standards. Experts attribute these vulnerabilities to aggregation within shared supply chains, where multiple regional brands co-process eggs using shared machinery or handling systems.​

FDA and H-E-B Response

H-E-B released a statement confirming that “all affected products have been immediately removed from shelves and distribution centers.” The retailer emphasized that all remaining eggs currently stocked are safe for consumption and not subject to the recall. The grocer, known for its rapid response to food safety alerts, is partnering with Kenz Henz and the FDA to notify customers through point-of-sale signage, website updates, and local media alerts.​

The FDA has advised food distributors, restaurants, and retailers to confirm that no recalled Kenz Henz eggs remain in stock or food preparation systems. Food establishments using eggs in bulk — such as bakeries or breakfast cafés — are being urged to verify inventory, as even small contamination levels can introduce risk through shared utensils or cross-contamination.​

Public Health and Safety Recommendations

Health officials advise consumers to continue general best practices when handling eggs, including:

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs. Fully cook eggs until yolks and whites are firm.

• Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after contact with raw eggs to prevent spreading bacteria.

• Store eggs at 40°F or below to minimize bacterial growth.

• Dispose of cracked or dirty eggs to avoid contamination from surfaces or pests.​

These steps are part of the FDA’s standard food safety guidelines, especially significant during nationwide recalls involving high-volume distributors like H-E-B.

The Economic and Industry Impact

While Kenz Henz remains a small-scale farm-to-store supplier compared to national egg producers, its presence in Houston underscores the ongoing challenge of foodborne illness prevention even within regulated supply chains. The recall highlights how local agriculture, while often favored for transparency and freshness, must still adhere to rigorous federal testing standards. Economically, industry experts estimate this recall could cost over $3.5 million in direct losses due to product disposal, cleanup, inspection, and potential litigation.​

The pasture-raised and organic egg market, valued at over $1.2 billion annually in the U.S., has grown rapidly as consumers seek more sustainable and humane options. However, the recall underscores that “organic” or “pasture-raised” labeling does not eliminate contamination risk, as Salmonella primarily originates from environmental factors, including contaminated feed, wet conditions, or improper sanitation during packaging. The FDA has since announced additional inspections for small and midsized producers across Texas to ensure compliance with its updated Egg Safety Rule 2023, which aims to minimize contamination risks through regular testing and sanitation protocols.​

What Comes Next

For now, H-E-B and Kenz Henz are cooperating with ongoing FDA testing. The agency has confirmed that all potentially contaminated lots have been traced and isolated, with no evidence of further distribution beyond the Houston area. Additional updates will be posted to the FDA’s Food Recall and Safety Alerts page, and consumers can call 1-409-457-5934 for more information or reimbursement assistance.​

No hospitalizations or confirmed infections linked to the egg recall have been reported as of October 20, 2025. Still, health officials stress vigilance over the coming weeks, as the incubation period for Salmonella can range up to ten days in vulnerable individuals.​

This recall serves as another reminder of the importance of traceability and transparency within local food systems — even trusted Texas producers like Kenz Henz and major retailers like H-E-B emphasize that swift communication and consumer awareness remain the strongest defenses against widespread foodborne illness.