The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised the recall of specific eggs sold at Costco to the Class 1 alert level, indicating a “reasonable possibility” that consuming the product will result in serious health consequences. Or may even result in death. This recall involves Handsome Brook Farms Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs distributed at Costco locations in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

According to the FDA, approximately 10,800 retail units of these eggs were shipped to 25 Costco stores beginning November 22. However, a recall was initiated on November 27 when it was discovered that eggs not intended for retail sale had been mistakenly packed into retail cartons.

The affected cartons have a Universal Product Code (UPC) of 9661910680 and a use-by date of January 5, 2025. Consumers are urged to either return the eggs to Costco for a full refund or dispose of them immediately.

In its announcement, Handsome Brook Farms said additional measures, including supply chain controls and employee retraining, are being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Salmonella infection can cause a variety of symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and loss of appetite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that these symptoms typically appear between six hours to six days after exposure and can last up to a week.

While most people recover without medical intervention, some groups are at higher risk of developing serious complications. These include small children under 5 years of age, elderly people above 65 years of age and individuals with weakened immune systems. In such cases, hospitalization and medical care may be necessary.

Salmonella infection is mainly spread through contaminated food or water. To reduce the risk of infection, it is necessary to follow these preventive measures:

– Cook the eggs thoroughly: Always cook the eggs until both the yolk and the white become hard. Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs, especially in dishes like homemade mayonnaise or eggnog.

– Practice safe food handling: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw eggs. This helps prevent cross-contamination.

– Store eggs properly: Keep eggs refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) to slow the growth of harmful bacteria.

– Avoid washing eggs: Eggs sold commercially in the US are already washed and cleaned. Washing them at home can introduce bacteria into their shells.

– Inspect before buying: Check for cracks in the eggshell before buying. Bacteria can enter through cracks and contaminate the eggs.

– Stay informed: Keep track of food recalls and warnings from regulatory authorities like the FDA and CDC to avoid consuming potentially harmful products.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled Handsome Brook Farms eggs are strongly encouraged to take action immediately. Returning or disposing of affected cans can significantly reduce the risk of Salmonella infection in homes.

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