Costco recalls thousands of eggs amid salmonella fears
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 10,000 cartons of Costco's Kirkland eggs may be contaminated with salmonella.
- The recall specifically targets cartons marked with Julian code 327 and a 'use by' date of January 5, 2025.
- No illnesses have been reported related to the recalled eggs, but consumers should carefully check their products.
In the United States, the threat of salmonella led to the recall of approximately 10,000 cartons of eggs sold under Costco's Kirkland brand. This recall, issued on November 22, 2024, affects specific units identified by a Julian code of 327 and a 'use by' date of January 5, 2025. Despite the seriousness of the salmonella threat, health officials noted that no major spread of illness has been reported in connection with these eggs. The recalled eggs were distributed across five states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Concurrently, SunFed whole cucumbers were also recalled due to the same salmonella concern, impacting consumers in 26 states and Canada. This event underscores the persistent risks associated with foodborne illnesses, specifically salmonella, which is known to cause significant hospitalizations and fatalities. Food safety experts caution that the bacteria can contaminate food during production or handling, emphasizing the importance of proper food safety measures in avoiding such outbreaks. The recalls represent a precautionary step taken by the suppliers to protect public health, though they highlight the ongoing challenges the food industry faces regarding pathogen management and contamination prevention. Consumers are urged to check their purchases and discard any products included in the recall to prevent illness.