FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall to Highest Risk Level

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated its warning regarding a recent egg recall from Costco, classifying it at the highest risk level due to potential salmonella contamination. This development has raised significant concerns about consumer safety and the severity of the potential health risks associated with these eggs.

Recall Details: The recall affects approximately 10,800 retail units of Kirkland Signature brand organic, pasture-raised eggs sold in 24-count cartons. These eggs were distributed to 25 Costco locations across five states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, starting from November 22, 2024.

Identifying Affected Products: Consumers should look for the following identifiers on the egg cartons:

• Universal Product Code (UPC): 9661910680
• Julian code: 327
• Use-by date: January 5, 2025

FDA Classification: The FDA has now classified this recall as Class I, which is the agency's highest risk level.  This classification indicates that there is a "reasonable probability" that consuming the recalled product "will cause serious adverse health consequences or death". 

Health Risks: Salmonella infection can cause severe symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

While most people recover without treatment, certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness, including young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. 

Consumer Action: The FDA and Handsome Brook Farms, the New York-based supplier, advise consumers who have purchased these eggs to:

1. Stop consuming the product immediately
2. Return the eggs to their local Costco store for a full refund
3. Alternatively, dispose of the eggs safely

Company Response: Handsome Brook Farms stated that the eggs were not intended for retail distribution but were mistakenly packaged and distributed. The company has implemented additional supply chain controls and is conducting retraining to prevent future occurrences. As of the latest reports, there have been no confirmed illnesses linked to this recall. However, given the FDA's high-risk classification, consumers are urged to take this recall seriously and act promptly to protect their health. This egg recall is separate from another recent salmonella outbreak linked to eggs from a different supplier, which resulted in 93 reported illnesses and 34 hospitalizations across 12 states.