Check your refrigerator as you may still have some recalled eggs from Costco stored inside.

On November 27, Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised eggs were recalled by Handsome Brook Farms, a New York-based producer, due to possible salmonella contamination, as reported by the Food and Drug Administration.

The recall affected a total of 10,800 cartons of 24-count Organic Pasture Raised Eggs that were sold at 25 Costco locations across five states. The recall was issued because “retail packaging contained eggs not meant for retail distribution,” according to the company’s announcement.

The FDA classified the recall as a Class I, indicating the highest risk of infection and a “reasonable probability” that consuming this product could lead to serious health issues or even death.

No illnesses related to the recalled eggs have been reported so far.

Which Eggs Sold at Costco Were Impacted?

The recalled products are the Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs, packaged in plastic cartons featuring the Kirkland Signature label. They bear the UPC code 9661910680.

Where Were These Recalled Eggs Sold?

The affected Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs were available at Costco stores in the following states:

• Alabama
• Georgia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee

Could Recalled Eggs Still Be in Your Fridge?

Yes, the eggs were sold starting November 22, 2024, and have a use-by date of January 5, 2025.

The eggs should not be consumed and should be discarded or returned to Costco for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact Costco at 888-877-7221, available Sunday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

What Is a Class I Recall From the FDA?

The FDA can issue a recall, request one from a company, or announce a voluntary recall by a company, like this case. Different recall levels are defined by the FDA:

• Class I recall: This is indicated when there is a significant likelihood that using or being exposed to a product “will result in serious negative health effects or death.”
• Class II recall: This is when the product “might cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is low.”
• Class III recall: This indicates that a product “is not expected to cause adverse health consequences.”
• Market withdrawal: This applies to minor violations not leading to FDA legal action, where “the firm removes the product from the market or corrects the problem. For instance, a product may be withdrawn due to tampering without evidence of manufacturing issues.”
• Medical device safety alert: This alert is “issued for situations where a medical device may pose an unreasonable risk of significant harm. In some instances, these situations are treated as recalls.”

Understanding Salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is among the main causes of foodborne illnesses. It can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms typically Surface between six hours and six days after infection and may last from four to seven days according to the CDC.

Younger children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for severe infections from salmonella, as noted by the FDA.

Annually, salmonella results in approximately 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and around 420 deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC.