What To Know About The Huge Costco Eggs Recall

2 days ago

Forbes

Topline

The threat of salmonella has caused two major recalls—10,000 cartons of eggs under Costco’s Kirkland brand and SunFed whole cucumbers sold in more than two dozen states—though so far no major spread of illness has been reported.

Eggs are displayed for sale inside a Costco store in Hawthorne, California, on Jan. 26, 2023.

AFP via Getty Images Key Facts

Costco eggs sourced from Handsome Brook Farms, a New York-based organic egg supplier, said the potentially infected 24-count cartons of eggs were sold in 25 stores.

The eggs are packaged in plastic egg cartons labeled with the Kirkland Signature on the top and the recall only applies to units with the Julian code 327, and a “use by” date of Jan 5, 2025.

No illnesses have been reported from customers eating the Costco eggs.Also recalled due to potential contamination with salmonella are whole cucumbers that were sold for more than a month in 26 states and Canada.

SunFed Produce recalled bulk cucumbers sold between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26 after the US Food and Drug Administration informed the Arizona-based company that several illnesses had been reported.

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Where Were The Recalled Costco Eggs Sold?

Five states—Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee—starting Nov. 22, 2024.

Where Were The Recalled Sunfed Cucumbers Sold?

These 26 states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. They were also sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Calgary, Saskatchewan and Ontario.

Big Number

1 in 20,000. That's how many eggs are estimated to be contaminated with salmonella, according to the CDC.

What Is Salmonella?

The salmonella bacteria lives in the intestines of people and animals. The most common form of infection comes from eating contaminated foods, drinking contaminated water or coming in contact with animal feces. There are more than 2,500 types of salmonella, but fewer than 100 are responsible for most human illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps that last between four and seven days, but it can be more serious for children under 5 years old, people over 65 and those with underlying medical problems. Salmonella is the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths linked to foodborne illness, according to the CDC, and the agency estimates that only 1 in every 30 salmonella infections is diagnosed.

How Does Salmonella Infect Food?

Salmonella can contaminate food in a number of ways. Eggs can be contaminated while they're still forming inside the chicken if a hen is infected with the bacteria, or they can pick up the infection if eggs come in contact with bird droppings after being laid. Salmonella contaminates produce primarily through contact with animal feces or contaminated water, though it can also spread through infected tools and equipment or an infected person who comes in contact. Salmonella can survive for weeks in a dry environment and for months in water, and antimicrobial-resistant salmonella infections are becoming more common. Chicken is a major source of salmonella infection, and one in every 25 packages of chicken at the grocery store is expected to be contaminated.

How To Prevent A Salmonella Infection

Safely preparing and storing food and regular hand washing are the best ways to prevent salmonella infection, according to the CDC. All surfaces should be washed before cooking begins; raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices should be kept away from other foods; all foods should be cooked to a safe temperature; and food should be stored at temperatures below 40°F. The agency also suggests being mindful around animals, including those at petting zoos, farms, and fairs.

Surprising Fact

Earlier this year, more than 90 people were sickened and 34 were hospitalized across 12 states when eggs from Milo's Poultry Farms were found to be contaminated with salmonella. Another 15 cases were reported and four people hospitalized in an outbreak linked to pet bearded dragons over the summer.