Tejal Somvanshi
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded the Costco egg recall to Class I – its highest risk classification. The recall, initiated by Handsome Brook Farms on November 27, 2024, affects 10,800 units of Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs sold under the Kirkland Signature brand name.
The eggs were distributed to 25 Costco locations across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The affected products carry UPC number 9661910680, Julian code 327, and a use-by date of January 5, 2025, packaged in Kirkland Signature plastic cartons.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, food safety microbiologist at the National Food Safety Council, explains: “Salmonella contamination in eggs remains a persistent challenge for the industry. The FDA’s Class I designation reflects the serious nature of potential health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.”
The FDA’s Class I designation indicates “a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” Salmonella infection hospitalizes 26,000 Americans annually. This recall follows a pattern of similar incidents, including the 2023 Cal-Maine Foods recall affecting 245,000 eggs.
Shauna Grob, head of operations and finance at Handsome Brook Farms, stated: “No illnesses have been reported at all. We have received a number of consumer calls to confirm whether the units they had in their possession were recall-able.”
A Civic Science report reveals heightened consumer concern, with over 80% of Americans worried about food recalls. The survey, conducted between December 2-4, 2024, among 2,000 U.S. adults, found nearly one-third “very worried.” Local food safety advocate Jennifer Torres notes: “Consumers increasingly demand transparency in food supply chains. This incident raises questions about quality control measures.”
The New York-based manufacturer disclosed these eggs “were not intended for sale but somehow they were packaged and distributed by mistake.” The company implemented additional supply chain controls and staff retraining. Former FDA inspector Robert Chen comments: “This raises serious questions about supply chain verification protocols. Companies must establish multiple checkpoints to prevent such oversights.”
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The FDA advises against consuming the recalled eggs and recommends returning them to Costco for a full refund. Consumers should monitor for symptoms including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Medical attention is advised for severe symptoms, particularly with fever above 102°F or prolonged diarrhea.
Consumers seeking information can contact Handsome Brook Farms at 646-733-4532, extension 1, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
Salmonella infection manifests within six hours to six days post-consumption. While most cases resolve without treatment, the infection causes over 26,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths annually in the United States. Consumer advocacy groups are calling for enhanced regulatory oversight of egg production facilities following this incident.
Legal experts anticipate potential regulatory changes. Food safety attorney Lisa Rodriguez states: “This recall could prompt stricter supply chain verification requirements and increased penalties for distribution errors.”
