Costco’s organic egg recall escalated to highest level

The Food and Drug Administration has escalated the recall of organic eggs sold at Costco to the highest risk level, signaling a significant risk of serious health consequences associated with potential salmonella contamination.

The federal agency’s Class I the designation suggests a “reasonable likelihood” that consumption of the affected eggs could lead to “adverse health consequences or death.”

Last month, Handsome Brook Farms issued a voluntary recall of over 10,000 units of Kirkland Signature Organic Grass-Raised 24-count eggs. Although no illnesses have been reported, customers who purchased the affected eggs are advised to return them to Costco for a full refund.

The eggs, with UPC number 9661910680 and an expiration date of Jan. 5, were sold in plastic cartons marked with the Kirkland Signature brand. They were sold predominantly at Costco warehouses in southern states, although the recall spans the entire country.

“Additional supply chain checks and retraining are being put in place to prevent a recurrence,” Handsome Brook Farms said.

It was not specified where the eggs were going.

Handsome Brook Farms, the supplier behind the Kirkland Signature brand, issued the recall on Nov. 27, claiming that “The company determined that eggs not intended for retail distribution were instead packaged and distributed in retail packaging.”

The error led to the potential contamination of over 250,000 eggs.

Salmonella infections can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever and nausea. While serious complications are rare, young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable. In some cases, salmonella can result in serious illness or death.

Customers who purchased the affected eggs should check for the UPC number and expiration date. If their eggs are part of the recall, they must either discard them or return them to Costco for a refund.

For more information about the recall and affected products, Costco customers are advised to consult the retailer’s website or contact their local store.