A significant recall of six million eggs has been broadened due to concerns over potential contamination with a dangerous bacteria.

Earlier this month, the Black Sheep Egg Company, located in Arkansas, removed millions of its 12- and 18-count Grade A and Grade AA free range egg cartons from stores. This action followed tests indicating possible salmonella contamination.

Now, Kenz Henz, based in Santa Fe, Texas, has joined the recall effort by pulling its 12-count cartons of Grade AA Large Pasture Raised eggs, which might also be tainted.

The eggs in Kenz Henz cartons, which were repackaged from Black Sheep Egg Company, were distributed in Kroger and H-E-B stores within the Houston, Texas region.

The recalled cartons are marked with sell-by dates ranging from October 11 to October 17, but authorities are concerned that many are still stored in consumers’ refrigerators.

Although no illnesses have been reported thus far, the FDA strongly advises customers to discard the eggs immediately or return them to retailers for a full refund.

The contamination was revealed after testing at the Black Sheep Egg Company facility showed 40 samples were positive for seven strains of salmonella. 

It is not clear how the salmonella entered the facility, but in previous similar cases, contamination has been linked to feces on eggs brought into the factory. The bacteria is known to live in the intestines of chickens.

Officials have expanded a recall of 6million eggs (The above is a stock image) 

Salmonella is among the leading causes of foodborne illness in the US, infecting about 1.35million people every year, the CDC estimates, and leading to 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.

Symptoms appear within eight to 72 hours of an infection, and include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, however, no symptoms appear at all.

Doctors say that warning signs of the infection generally last a few days to a week and that most patients do not need to see a doctor.

But they warn that infants, young children, pregnant women and older adults are particularly at risk from salmonella because they have a weaker immune system.

In serious cases, the bacteria can spread from the intestines into the blood and infect other organs, such as the brain, heart or lungs, which can trigger the potentially fatal complication sepsis.

Doctors may attempt to treat the infection in these cases using antibiotics. 

The update to the recall was revealed on the FDA website on October 20, with officials warning that other products may soon be added.

The recalled Kenz Henz have a UPC code of 86949400030. This is typically found on a sticker at the bottom of the carton. 

The above shows Grade AA Large Eggs sold by Kenz Henz, which are part of the recall 

Pictured above is one of the labels found on the affected eggs sold by Black Sheep Egg Company

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea, cramps and vomiting (stock image)

It is not clear exactly how many cartons or how many eggs are included in the expansion of the recall.

In the major recall revealed this month, the Black Sheep Egg Company, which supplies stores in Arkansas and Missouri, said it was recalling four store-sold products.

These were: Free Range Grade A Large Brown Eggs in 12- and 18-count cartons, Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs sold in 12-count cartons and Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs sold in 18-count cartons.

It also recalled six egg products packaged in industrially-sized cartons of more than 500 eggs per box that were set to be sold direct to restaurants and processing facilities.

These were: Free Range Grade AA Large Brown Eggs, Free Range Grade AA Medium Brown Eggs, Free Range Grade AA Large White Eggs and Free Range Grade AA Medium White Eggs.

Large and medium brown eggs were recalled that were packaged in large boxes or in loose open skids, or when eggs are stored in bulk on a pallet.

These eggs have sell-by dates between August 22 and October 31, but the FDA is also concerned that many eggs could still be lurking in refrigerators.

Officials added, in a release: ‘Products may have been further distributed to other states, and additional products will be added to this advisory as information becomes available.’

Salmonella is usually found in foods contaminated with animal feces and is most common in poultry, red meat, dairy products, eggs, fish, fruits and vegetables.