In this article, federal food regulators have issued a warning regarding recalled eggs that were sold at Costco stores due to potential salmonella exposure. The affected product has been reclassified to the highest risk level by the FDA. On November 27, the FDA announced that New York-based Handsome Brook Farms had voluntarily recalled approximately 10,800 retail units of 24-count organic, pasture-raised eggs sold under Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand.
In an updated notice released on Friday, the FDA elevated the recall to Class I, indicating a high risk level where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product could lead to serious adverse health consequences or death. The classification of recalls is typically determined by a committee of FDA scientists who consider various factors, such as whether the product has caused any illnesses or injuries, the vulnerable populations at risk, and the potential for further harm.
At the time of the initial recall announcement, no illnesses had been reported. The FDA did not provide information on any illnesses associated with the recalled eggs when asked on Thursday. The affected “Organic Pasture-Raised” egg cartons have a universal product code (UPC) of 9661910680 and a use-by date of January 5, 2025.
Handsome Brook Farms, the New York-based company responsible for the recalled eggs, did not immediately respond to requests for comments. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it may take several weeks to identify illnesses related to a food outbreak. Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. While most people recover within a week, the infection can be severe in young children, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
The affected egg cartons were sold in 25 Costco stores located in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee starting from November 22. Customers who purchased these eggs are advised to return them to Costco for a full refund, as stated by the FDA. The CDC estimates that salmonella causes around 1.35 million infections in the United States annually, with contaminated food being the primary source of most illnesses.
