CNN
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The Food and Drug Administration issued its highest warning last month about thousands of eggs distributed to Costco locations in five states, saying there was a “reasonable possibility” that consumption of those eggs could result in “serious health effects.” consequences or death”.

The eggs may be linked to salmonella exposure.

The affected product is Handsome Brook Farms brand Signature Organic Pasture-Raised 24-Count Eggs, which were distributed to Costco stores in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. As of November 22, approximately 10,800 retail units were shipped to 25 Costco locations.

Although the eggs were initially recalled just five days after distribution on Nov. 27, the FDA upgraded the recall to Class 1 — the agency’s highest alert level — on Friday.

Handsome Brook Farms said in its Nov. 27 announcement that the recall was triggered by the discovery that eggs not intended for retail sale had been improperly packaged and distributed. The company is implementing additional controls and retraining in the supply chain to prevent future problems.

The affected boxes have the numbers 327 and P1363 and a best before date of January 5, 2025.

CNN reached out to Costco for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

The FDA advises consumers not to eat these eggs and suggests returning them to Costco for a full refund or throwing them away.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella can cause serious infections, especially in children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting, typically occurring six hours to six days after infection and lasting four to seven days.

Children under 5, seniors over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness and may require medical care or hospitalization.