Costco recalls nearly 11,000 cartons of Kirkland Signature Organic Eggs due to potential Salmonella contamination, impacting consumers in five states.
At a Glance
- 10,800 cartons of Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised Eggs recalled
- Affected eggs sold in select Costco stores across five southeastern states
- No illnesses reported, but consumers advised to return or dispose of eggs
- Recall due to potential Salmonella contamination
- Eggs identifiable by specific UPC, Julian code, and “Use By” date
Recall Details and Affected Products
Handsome Brook Farms, a New York-based organic egg supplier, has initiated a voluntary recall of Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised Eggs sold at Costco. The recall affects 10,800 cartons of 24-count eggs distributed to 25 Costco locations in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This action comes after the discovery that eggs not intended for retail were mistakenly packaged for consumer sale.
Consumers should check for eggs with the following identifiers: UPC 9661910680, Julian code 327, and a “Use By” date of January 5, 2025. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall on November 27, 2024, just before the Thanksgiving holiday. Affected eggs were sold starting November 22, potentially impacting holiday meal preparations for some households.
Kirkland-brand eggs sold at Costco recalled over salmonella concerns https://t.co/Y5nvTAk664
— WRTV Indianapolis (@wrtv) December 1, 2024
Health Risks and Precautions
While no illnesses have been reported as of the announcement date, the potential for Salmonella contamination poses serious health risks. Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
“Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,” the FDA stated.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the infection can lead to more serious complications requiring medical attention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections annually in the United States, with food being the primary source of these illnesses.
Consumer Actions and Company Response
Costco and Handsome Brook Farms are taking proactive measures to address the recall. Consumers who have purchased the affected eggs are strongly advised to either return them to Costco for a full refund or dispose of them safely. It is crucial not to consume these eggs to avoid potential health risks.
“Additional supply chain controls and retraining are being put in place to prevent recurrence.” the recall notice stated.
Handsome Brook Farms is cooperating fully with the FDA and has provided contact information for consumer inquiries. Customers with questions or concerns can reach out to the company at 646-733-4532, ext. 1, or via email at [email protected]. The company’s swift action and transparency demonstrate a commitment to consumer safety and product integrity.
Broader Context of Food Safety
This recall is part of a series of recent food safety alerts in the United States. It follows a previous large-scale egg recall in September and October for similar Salmonella concerns. Other recent recalls have involved products such as carrots, cucumbers, and ground beef, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety across the supply chain.
As consumers, it’s important to stay informed about food recalls and take appropriate action when necessary. Regularly checking recall notices and being vigilant about food preparation and storage can help mitigate risks associated with foodborne illnesses. The Costco egg recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety measures at both the industry and consumer levels.
