Costco Recalls Kirkland Eggs Over Salmonella Concerns
Costco has just issued a critical recall of their Kirkland Signature eggs, affecting thousands of customers across multiple states. This recall demands immediate attention from anyone who recently purchased eggs from Costco stores.
The food recall stems from potential salmonella contamination discovered during routine testing. This egg recall marks one of the significant food safety alerts we've seen this year, prompting action from both Costco and regulatory authorities. We'll guide you through everything you need to know about this recall, including affected products, health risks, and the steps you should take if you have these eggs in your home.
Recall Details and Scope
Handsome Brook Farms has initiated a voluntary recall of 10,800 retail units of Kirkland Signature eggs distributed through Costco stores. The recall affects products distributed to 25 Costco locations across five states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The specific products under recall are the Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs, which were distributed starting November 22. For consumer identification, here are the critical product details:
UPC Code: 9661910680
Julian Code: 327
Use By Date: January 5, 2025
Package Type: Plastic egg cartons labeled with Kirkland Signature on top
We've learned that this recall was initiated after Handsome Brook Farms discovered that eggs not intended for retail distribution were mistakenly packaged and distributed in retail packaging. The company has announced that additional supply chain controls and retraining measures are being implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.
It's important to note that as of our latest information, no illnesses or complaints have been reported in connection with these eggs. However, we strongly advise consumers who have purchased these eggs to take immediate action. Costco has already taken proactive measures by sending notification letters to members who purchased the affected products.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Salmonella infection, the concern behind this Costco egg recall, is a serious bacterial disease affecting the intestinal tract. According to health authorities, this infection causes an estimated 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths annually in the United States.
The symptoms typically develop within a specific timeframe and include:
Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Fever and chills
Stomach cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Most people experience symptoms between 8 to 72 hours after exposure, with illness typically lasting 4 to 7 days. While most healthy individuals recover without specific treatment, certain groups face higher risks for severe complications.
High-Risk Groups Include: Individuals aged 65 and older, children under 5 years, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe infections. These high-risk individuals are more likely to require hospitalization, with nearly half of confirmed cases in people over 65 requiring hospital care.
Consumer Action Steps
If you've recently purchased eggs from Costco, we urge you to check your refrigerator immediately. For consumers who have purchased the affected Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised Eggs between November 22 and November 27, here's what you need to do.
First, check your egg cartons for these specific identifiers:
UPC Code: 9661910680 (located on bottom-right corner)
Julian Code: 327
Use By Date: January 5, 2025
Package Type: Plastic egg cartons
Important: If your eggs match these identifiers, do not consume them. You have two options:
Return the eggs to your local Costco store for a complete refund
Dispose of the product immediately
Costco has already taken proactive measures by sending notification letters to members who purchased the affected products. This recall affects 25 Costco locations across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Remember: These eggs should not be used in any cooking or baking, regardless of the cooking method.
Conclusion
This Kirkland Signature egg recall stands as a crucial reminder of food safety's paramount importance in our daily lives. While no illnesses have been reported, the potential salmonella risk affects thousands of egg cartons across five states.
Safety measures remain straightforward - check your egg cartons against the provided identifiers and either return them to Costco for a refund or dispose of them properly. These precautions particularly matter for vulnerable groups, including seniors, young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.