10,000 Costco egg cartons and cucumbers in 26 states

On November 30, 2024By Littum

Upper line

The threat of salmonella has prompted two major recalls — 10,000 cartons of eggs under Costco’s Kirkland brand and SunFed whole cucumbers sold in more than two dozen states — though no major outbreaks of illness have been reported so far.

Eggs are displayed for sale at a Costco store in Hawthorne, California, on January 26, 2023.

AFP via Getty Images

Key facts

Costco eggs sourced from Handsome Brook Farms, a New York-based organic egg supplier, said the potentially infected 24-count cartons of eggs were sold in 25 stores.

The eggs are packaged in plastic egg cartons marked with the Kirkland Signature on top, and the recall only applies to units with the Julian code 327 and a “use by” date of January 5, 2025.

No illnesses have been reported from customers who ate the Costco eggs. Also recalled due to potential salmonella contamination are whole cucumbers that were sold for more than a month in 26 states and Canada.

SunFed Produce recalled bulk cucumbers sold between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26 after the US Food and Drug Administration informed the Arizona-based company that multiple illnesses had been reported.

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Where were the recalled Costco eggs sold?

Five states—Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—as of November 22, 2024.

Where were the recalled solar grown cucumbers sold?

These 26 states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas , Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. They were also sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Saskatchewan and Ontario.

big number

1 in 20,000. That’s how many eggs are estimated to be contaminated with salmonella, according to the CDC.

What is Salmonella?

The salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals. The most common form of infection comes from eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, or coming into contact with animal feces. There are more than 2,500 types of salmonella, but fewer than 100 are responsible for most human illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people experience diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps that last between four and seven days, but it can be more severe in children under 5, people over 65 and those with underlying medical problems. Salmonella is the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths associated with foodborne illness, according to the CDC and the agency discretion that only 1 out of every 30 salmonella infections is diagnosed.

How does Salmonella infect food?

Salmonella can contaminate food in a number of ways. Eggs can be polluted while still forming inside the chick if a hen is infected with the bacteria, or they can pick up the infection if eggs come into contact with bird droppings after being laid. Salmonella contaminates produce primarily through contact with animal feces or contaminated water, although it can also be spread through infected tools and equipment or an infected person who comes into contact. Salmonella can survive for weeks in a dry environment and for months in water and antimicrobialresistant Salmonella infections are becoming more common. Chicken is a major source of salmonella infection, and one out of every 25 packages of chicken in the grocery store is expected to be contaminated.

How to prevent a Salmonella infection

Safe food preparation and storage and regular hand washing are the best ways to do this prevent salmonella infection, according to the CDC. All surfaces must be washed before cooking begins; raw meat, poultry, shellfish and their juices should be kept away from other foods; all food must be prepared for a safe temperature; and food must be stored at temperatures below 40°F. The agency also suggests being vigilant around animals, including those in petting zoos, farms and fairs.

Surprising facts

Earlier this year, more than 90 people became ill and 34 were hospitalized in 12 states when eggs from Milo’s poultry farms were found to be polluted with salmonella. Another 15 cases were reported and four people hospitalized in an outbreak associated with pet bearded dragons over the summer.