FDA Escalates Costco Egg Recall to Include Risks of ‘Serious Illness or Death’

On By Littum

In the days leading up to Christmas, the Food and Drug Administration has further raised the red flag on some eggs distributed to Costco locations in connection with possible salmonella exposure.

The agency reclassified the affected eggs to the highest Class 1 alert level, reporting that there is a “reasonable likelihood” that ingestion of the eggs will “cause serious health consequences or death.”

Health officials identified the eggs as Handsome Brook Farms Kirkland brand of Signature Organic Pature Raised 24-Count Eggs, which were distributed to Costco locations in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

PHOTO: Handsome Brook Farms is recalling 10,800 retail units of Organic Pature Raised 24-Count Eggs sold under the Kirkland Signature brand name because these eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the FDA.

Handsome Brook Farms is voluntarily recalling 10,800 retail units of Organic Pature Raised 24-Count Eggs sold under the Kirkland Signature brand name because these eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the FDA.

FDA

There were approximately 10,800 retail units distributed across 25 Costco stores as of November 22.

The eggs were originally recalled just five days after distribution on November 27, the FDA converted the product to a Class 1 recall on 20 Dec.

“The recall was initiated after the company determined that eggs not intended for retail distribution were instead packaged and distributed in retail packaging,” Handsome Brook Farms said in its Nov. 27 announcement. “Further supply chain checks and retraining are being put in place to prevent a recurrence.”

The cartons in question have a Universal Product Code (UPC) of 9661910680 with a use-by date of January 5, 2025.

PHOTO: Handsome Brook Farms is recalling 10,800 retail units of Organic Pature Raised 24-Count Eggs sold under the Kirkland Signature brand because these eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the FDA.

Handsome Brook Farms is voluntarily recalling 10,800 retail units of Organic Pature Raised 24-Count Eggs sold under the Kirkland Signature brand because these eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the FDA.

FDA

The FDA noted that affected consumers should not consume this product and may return the eggs to Costco for a full refund or dispose of it.

According to Center for Disease Controlsymptoms of salmonella infection include severe abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache and loss of appetite.

Symptoms usually start between six hours to six days after infection and usually last four to seven days, according to the CDC.

But some people, especially children younger than 5 and adults 65 and older, or people with weakened immune systems, may experience more serious illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization, the CDC says.

Costco did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.