An ongoing recall of Costco eggs has been escalated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which classified the recall as Class I in December 2024. This classification, the FDA’s most severe, indicates that “there is a reasonable probability that use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death,” according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Why Are the Eggs Being Recalled?
The recall affects the Kirkland Signature brand, organic pasture-raised, 24-count, grade-A large eggs sold at Costco. The FDA noted that “eggs from a positive Salmonella environment were shipped into distribution to retail facilities.” Handsome Brook Farms, the supplier, issued the voluntary recall in late November after discovering that eggs not intended for retail sale were instead packaged and distributed in retail packaging.
In a statement, Handsome Brook Farms said: “Additional supply chain controls and retraining are being put in place to prevent recurrence.”
Identifying the Recalled Eggs
The affected eggs can be identified by the following details printed on the cartons:
- UPC Code: 9661910680
- Plant Number: P1363
- Use-By Date: January 5, 2025
What Should You Do If You Have These Eggs?
Consumers who have purchased these eggs are urged not to eat them. Instead, they can return the eggs to their local Costco store for a full refund or dispose of them immediately.
Where Were the Eggs Sold?
About 10,800 cartons of the recalled eggs were distributed to 25 Costco stores across the Southeastern United States, including locations in:
- Alabama
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
Understanding the Risk of Salmonella
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bacteria can cause severe and potentially fatal infections, particularly in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Symptoms of salmonella infection in healthy individuals include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
The FDA warns that severe cases can lead to hospitalization or even death in vulnerable populations.
Final Note
Consumers are urged to check their egg cartons immediately and take appropriate action if their purchase matches the recall details. For further information, contact Costco or Handsome Brook Farms directly.
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