The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated its recall of specific eggs sold at Costco to a Class 1 alert level, indicating a "reasonable probability" that consuming the product could lead to severe health consequences or even death. This recall involves the Handsome Brook Farms Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs, distributed to Costco locations in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

According to the FDA, around 10,800 retail units of these eggs were sent to 25 Costco stores starting November 22. However, the recall was initiated on November 27 after it was discovered that eggs not intended for retail sale were mistakenly packaged in retail cartons.

The affected cartons have a Universal Product Code (UPC) of 9661910680 and a use-by date of January 5, 2025. Consumers are urged to either return the eggs to Costco for a full refund or dispose of them immediately.

In its announcement, Handsome Brook Farms stated that additional measures, including enhanced supply chain controls and employee retraining, are being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Salmonella infections can cause a range of symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches, and loss of appetite. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that these symptoms usually manifest between six hours and six days after exposure and may last up to a week.

While most people recover without medical intervention, certain groups are at a higher risk of developing severe complications. These include young children under the age of 5, older adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In such cases, hospitalization and medical care may be necessary.

Salmonella infections are primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water. To minimize the risk of infection, it’s essential to follow these preventive measures:

- Cook Eggs Thoroughly: Always cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs, especially in dishes like homemade mayonnaise or eggnog.

- Practice Safe Food Handling: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw eggs. This helps prevent cross-contamination.

- Store Eggs Properly: Keep eggs refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) to slow the growth of harmful bacteria.

- Avoid Washing Eggs: Commercially sold eggs in the U.S. are already washed and sanitized. Washing them at home can introduce bacteria into the shell.

- Inspect Before Purchase: Check for cracks in eggshells before buying. Bacteria can enter through cracks and contaminate the egg.

- Stay Informed: Keep track of food recalls and warnings from regulatory authorities like the FDA and CDC to avoid consuming potentially harmful products.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled Handsome Brook Farms eggs are strongly encouraged to act promptly. Returning or disposing of the affected cartons can significantly reduce the risk of salmonella infections in households.

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