The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning regarding a potential salmonella contamination in eggs sold at Costco stores across five states, CNN reports.
The alert applies to Handsome Brook Farms brand Signature Organic Pasture-Raised 24-Count Eggs, which were distributed to Costco locations in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Approximately 10,800 units of the product were shipped to 25 stores starting November 22, 2024.
The FDA raised the warning level for this recall to its highest classification, known as Class 1, on Friday. The agency’s decision was based on a “reasonable possibility” that consuming the eggs could lead to “serious adverse health consequences or death.” The recall initially occurred five days after distribution, on November 27, but the FDA’s reclassification reflects the severity of the potential risk.
The recall was triggered by Handsome Brook Farms discovering that eggs not intended for retail sale had been incorrectly packaged and distributed. The company has since stated it is implementing stricter supply chain controls and providing additional training to prevent future occurrences. Affected eggs include cartons marked with the numbers 327 and P1363, with a use-by date of January 5, 2025.
Consumers who purchased these eggs are advised not to consume them. The FDA recommends returning the eggs to Costco for a full refund or disposing of them. The recall highlights the risks of salmonella infection, which can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. While most healthy individuals recover without treatment, the infection can be more severe for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
As of now, Costco has not responded to inquiries about the recall. Salmonella infections can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, making this warning a significant public health concern.
