The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated the recall of Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs, sold at Costco, to a Class I recall—the agency’s most severe classification—due to potential Salmonella contamination, as The Independent reported. According to the FDA, This classification indicates a “situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Approximately 10,800 cartons of eggs, distributed by Handsome Brook Farms, are impacted by the recall. The eggs were sold at 25 Costco locations across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. These products, which have a “Use By” date of January 5, 2025, and the Julian code 327, were made available to consumers starting November 22, 2024. They can be identified by their Universal Product Code (UPC): 9661910680.
Salmonella infections can cause severe health issues, including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, face an elevated risk. In severe cases, the infection may spread to the bloodstream, potentially causing more severe complications like arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis.
Consumers who purchased these eggs are strongly advised to stop using them immediately. Affected products can either be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall. Customers seeking additional information can contact Handsome Brook Farms at 646-733-4532, ext. 1, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, or email [email protected].
The recall was initiated by Handsome Brook Farms after an internal review revealed that eggs not intended for retail sale were inadvertently packaged and distributed. The company has pledged to strengthen supply chain controls and retrain employees to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The FDA’s decision to elevate this recall to a Class I status underscores the potential severity of the health risks involved. This level of recall is reserved for cases where there is a reasonable probability that a product could cause serious adverse health effects or even death.
This recall comes amid a string of recent food safety alerts. For instance, Frito-Lay recently recalled specific Lay’s Classic Potato Chips due to undeclared milk, posing a life-threatening risk to those with allergies. Other recalls have involved ready-to-eat meat products contaminated with Listeria and vegetable medleys linked to E. coli outbreaks.
Consumers are reminded to practice safe food handling measures, including thoroughly cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to eliminate potential bacteria. However, with known contamination risks, it’s safer to avoid consumption altogether. For updates on this and other recalls, visit the FDA’s official website or sign up for recall notifications.
