Cartons bear expiration dates into January but should be tossed immediately, the FDA cautions, due to contamination concerns.
Nearly 11,000 Packages of Eggs Recalled by a National Grocery Chain in 5 States
Published on Dec. 03, 2024
Many Costco customers have learned what it’s like to reach the refrigerated section of the store and learn eggs are sold out—eggs are a popular commodity there. Especially if you bought Costco eggs leading up to Thanksgiving, it’s a good idea to check the packaging to recall when, exactly, you made your purchase.
According to a recent safety notice released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 10,800 units of Organic Pasture Raised 24-count eggs sold under Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand have been recalled. The eggs were found to be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious or sometimes fatal health consequences.
Produced by New York State-based Handsome Brook Farms, the affected eggs were distributed at 25 Costco stores in five states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The products were sold beginning November 22, 2024 and bear a “use by” date of January 5, 2025.
Healthy adults who become infected with Salmonella may experience acute symptoms of food poisoning, such as fever, diarrhea or bloody stool, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. However, the FDA warns that severe cases can “result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.”
Salmonella exposure poses the greatest threat to children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. As of the recall announcement date, there have been no illnesses associated with the contaminated eggs.
The 24-count eggs also include the UPC code 9661910680, and are packaged in plastic egg cartons labeled with Kirkland Signature branding. The recall only applies to units with the Julian code 327, the recall notice emphasizes.
“The recall was initiated after the company determined that eggs not intended for retail distribution were instead packaged and distributed in retail packaging,” the recall notice states. “Additional supply chain controls and retraining are being put in place to prevent recurrence,” the FDA states.
Another Costco recall involving Salmonella contamination also made headlines over the Thanksgiving holiday. On November 28, the FDA announced that it is investigating a widespread outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to SunFed cucumbers. At least 68 Salmonella infections and 18 hospitalizations are believed to be associated with the tainted produce, which was also sold at Walmart, Wegmans, Albertsons, and other retailers, according to the CDC.
Costco shoppers who have purchased the recalled eggs should not consume them. Instead, return the product to your place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them without touching them.
If you have additional questions, visit the customer service section of your local Costco store or contact Handsome Brook Farms via the information provided through the FDA links above.
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