Costco Egg Recall 2024: What Shoppers Must Know About Salmonella Risk
Understand the details of the 2024 Costco egg recall and how it may impact your health and grocery shopping decisions.
Costco Egg Recall 2024: Key Facts and Consumer Guidance
In late 2024, Costco issued a recall for certain eggs over salmonella concerns, prompting widespread attention from shoppers and health authorities alike. The recall has been elevated to the highest risk (Class I) by the FDA, underscoring the potential severity of health consequences for exposed consumers. If you purchase eggs at Costco or are generally cautious about foodborne illness, this detailed guide provides everything you need to know: from recall specifics and health risks, to advice for families and updates on similar food recalls.
Table of Contents
- Recall Details: Which Eggs Are Affected?
- Distribution and Affected Areas
- Why the Recall? Understanding Salmonella Risk
- Symptoms and Risks of Salmonella Infection
- Consumer Steps: What To Do If You Have the Eggs
- Contact Information for Consumers
- Related Food Recalls: Cucumbers & Other Produce
- Tips for Preventing Foodborne Illness
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recall Details: Which Eggs Are Affected?
Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs—specifically those produced by Handsome Brook Farm—are subject to recall due to suspected contamination with Salmonella. The recall covers 10,800 packages distributed between November 22 and late November 2024.
- Brand: Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised
- Package Size: 24-count eggs
- Producer: Handsome Brook Farm
- Julian Code: 327
- UPC: 9661910680 (shown on the plastic carton)
- Use By Date: January 5, 2025
Only units matching these precise details are impacted. No other egg products or packages from Costco or Handsome Brook Farm are implicated in the recall.
Distribution and Affected Areas
The specific distribution spans 25 Costco stores—not 25 states—located in the Southeastern United States.
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Alabama
- Tennessee
If you shopped at Costco in these states after November 22, 2024, check your egg cartons for the referenced UPC, Julian code, and use by date.
| State | Approx. # of Costco Stores Involved |
|---|---|
| Georgia | Multiple |
| North Carolina | Multiple |
| South Carolina | Multiple |
| Alabama | Multiple |
| Tennessee | Multiple |
Customers nationwide should check their eggs if they received products from friends or family who shopped at affected locations, or if they traveled.
Why the Recall? Understanding Salmonella Risk
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food products, especially raw or undercooked animal products such as eggs. Once ingested, Salmonella can cause an illness called salmonellosis.
The FDA determined that the recall should be elevated to a Class I recall, describing the risk as follows:
“A reasonable probability exists that exposure to the product can cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
While rare, outbreaks involving Salmonella-contaminated eggs can be severe, particularly for individuals in high-risk groups. The FDA, CDC, and Costco responded quickly, and—as of the latest update—there have been no confirmed illnesses linked to these recalled eggs.
Symptoms and Risks of Salmonella Infection
Salmonellosis affects over 1.35 million people in the U.S. annually, according to the CDC. For most, illness is unpleasant but not life-threatening; however, certain groups are at far higher risk.
- High-risk groups: Children under age 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems
Typical symptoms begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and may include:
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
Most cases resolve in four to seven days without medical intervention. Severe cases, which may involve high fever, persistent vomiting, or dehydration, can require hospitalization. Symptoms can be particularly dangerous for infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
When to Seek Medical Help
- High fever (above 101.5°F or 38.6°C)
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, little or no urination)
- Blood in stool
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for severe symptoms or for those in high-risk categories.
Consumer Steps: What To Do If You Have the Eggs
If you have purchased the recalled Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs at Costco in the affected states, adhere to the following procedures:
- Do not consume the eggs, even if they appear normal or smell safe.
- Return the eggs to your local Costco for a full refund.
- You may also safely discard the eggs by placing the entire unopened carton in an outdoor garbage bin.
Costco has reached out directly to members who purchased the affected eggs to notify them about the recall and refund process.
Contact Information for Consumers
If you have questions or need further assistance, contact:
- Handsome Brook Farms
- Phone: 646-733-4532, ext. 1 (Monday–Friday, 9AM–6PM EST)
- Email: recall@hbfeggs.com
You may also revisit the Costco product recalls page for ongoing updates on food safety notices.
Related Food Recalls: Cucumbers and Other Products
In parallel with the egg recall, the FDA also reported a major recall on cucumbers due to Salmonella concerns. Three major companies—Baloian Farms, Russ Davis, and SunFed Produce—recalled cucumbers grown by Agrotato in Sonora, Mexico. The affected cucumbers entered supply chains between October 12 and November 26, impacting at least 35 states across the U.S.
Products containing cucumbers included:
- Crazy Fresh Garden Salad w/ Ranch Dressing
- Quick & Easy Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing
- Crazy Fresh Turkey Havarti Wrap
- Quick & Easy Bacon Avocado Wrap
- Crazy Fresh Bacon Avocado Wrap
- Kowalski’s Market Garden Salad
As of late November, 68 confirmed cases of Salmonella tied to cucumbers were reported in 19 states, with 18 hospitalizations. Consumers in the affected states should throw away or return any recalled produce immediately.
| States Affected by Cucumber Recall (Sample) |
|---|
| Alaska |
| Arizona |
| Arkansas |
| California |
| Colorado |
| Illinois |
| Minnesota |
| Texas |
| Washington |
| Wisconsin |
| … and 25 more states |
Tips for Preventing Foodborne Illness
- Cook eggs and meat thoroughly. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs and meat products.
- Practice proper hand hygiene. Wash hands before and after handling raw foods.
- Wash produce before consuming. Even pre-washed or bagged salads can harbor germs.
- Keep kitchen surfaces clean. Sanitize counters, cutting boards, and utensils after preparing raw foods.
- Store food at correct temperatures. Refrigerate perishables promptly and discard expired products.
- Stay informed about recalls. Visit retailer and FDA recall pages regularly for updates, especially if you are in a high-risk demographic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there any evidence of illness associated with the recalled Costco eggs?
A: As of the most recent updates, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled eggs. The recall is precautionary following detection of potential contamination during routine testing.
Q: How do I know if my eggs are part of the recall?
A: Check your plastic egg carton for the UPC 9661910680, Julian code 327, and Use By Date Jan 5, 2025. Only Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs from Handsome Brook Farm distributed to selected Costco stores are involved.
Q: What should I do if I already used the eggs in cooking?
A: If you thoroughly cooked the eggs (until both yolk and white are firm), the risk of Salmonella infection is reduced. However, monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if you become ill.
Q: Why was the recall upgraded to the highest risk level?
A: The FDA classified this as a Class I recall due to the reasonable probability that exposure could result in serious adverse health consequences or death, especially for high-risk groups.
Q: Are other products or brands affected?
A: No other eggs or Kirkland products sold at Costco are included in this recall. Check the Related Recalls section for current produce recalls, particularly cucumbers distributed nationwide.
Q: How can I stay updated on future recalls from Costco?
A: Visit the Costco Product Recalls page for new and historical recalls as well as additional safety notices.
Q: What is Salmonella and why is it dangerous?
A: Salmonella is a bacteria that can make people severely ill. For most, it’s an unpleasant gastrointestinal infection, but infants, elderly, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems are at a higher risk of severe, sometimes fatal, complications.
What You Should Do as a Consumer
- Review your egg cartons for the precise identifiers listed above.
- Safely discard or return the product to Costco for a refund if affected.
- Stay alert to symptoms of salmonellosis after possible exposure.
- Consult with a medical professional for severe symptoms or questions.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest recall notices via official FDA or retailer channels.
Staying informed and taking swift action are the best defenses against foodborne illness associated with product recalls.
