GEORGIA, USA -- The Food and Drug Administration raised the health hazard level for more than 10,000 eggs that were recalled nearly a month ago.
On Friday, the agency raised the level to Class I, which means the produce could cause serious health issues, including death. The eggs were recalled due to a possible salmonella contamination.
Salmonella can be severe and sometimes fatal for younger children, older people and those with weakened immune systems. Some symptoms of the illness are fever, diarrhea (can be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Handsome Brook Farms recalled the egg units in November. The eggs were sold under the Kirkland Signature brand name, normally sold at Costco, starting on Friday, November 22.
The Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs were distributed to 25 Costco stores in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The exact locations where the eggs were sold are still unclear.
No illnesses have been reported as of Monday, Dec. 23.
"The recall was initiated after the company determined that eggs not intended for retail distribution were instead packaged and distributed in retail packaging," the company said in its announcement. Handsome Brook Farms are putting measures in place to ensure it does not happen again.
See a picture below of the exact packaging impacted by the recall.
Those impacted should not consume the product and should return the identified units to their local Costco store for a full refund.
If customers do not want a refund, they should throw the products away.
The company said those with additional questions should contact them by calling at 646-733-4532, ext. 1, Monday through Friday, 9 AM - 6 PM EST or emailing any time at recall@hbfeggs.com.