You’re standing in the kitchen, half-awake, cracking an egg into a sizzling pan when you remember that headline you scrolled past on your phone. Was it the Kirkland brand? Was it the organic ones? Check the carton. Most of us shop at Costco because we trust the bulk-buy curated quality, but when the words Costco organic eggs recall start circulating, that trust takes a temporary hit. It's stressful.
Actually, it’s more than stressful—it’s confusing. Food recalls in the United States have become a dizzying carousel of "do not eat" warnings, and keeping track of which farm in which state is affected feels like a full-time job.
Here is the thing: not every "scare" is a national catastrophe, but you definitely shouldn't ignore this one.
The Reality of the Costco Organic Eggs Recall
Let's get the facts straight. The primary concern that triggered recent alerts surrounding organic eggs sold at Costco wasn't just a random clerical error. It was about Salmonella. Specifically, Salmonella Enteritidis.
In late 2024 and extending into the consciousness of 2025 shoppers, several batches of eggs produced by Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC were flagged. While Costco carries various regional brands and their own massive Kirkland Signature line, the recall specifically hit certain organic and cage-free varieties distributed in specific regions, primarily in the Midwest (think Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan).
The FDA didn't mince words. They classified this as a Class I recall. That is the most serious level. It basically means there is a "reasonable probability" that eating the product will cause serious health problems or death.
It wasn't just Costco, either. The same farm supplied retailers like Target, but because of Costco’s massive volume, the "Kirkland" association stuck in people's minds. If you bought the 24-count or the 18-count packs, you were likely looking at the stamps on the side of the carton.
Why Organic Doesn't Mean "Safe from Bacteria"
There is a common misconception. People think "organic" is a shield. We pay the extra three or four dollars because we want better treatment for the birds and fewer chemicals in our bodies. But bacteria don't care about USDA Organic certifications.
In fact, organic farming can sometimes face higher risks of environmental exposure. If the hens have outdoor access—which they must to be labeled organic—they are more likely to come into contact with wild birds or rodents that carry Salmonella.
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It’s a trade-off.
You get a better life for the animal and a more nutrient-dense egg, but the biosecurity measures have to be absolutely perfect to prevent an outbreak. In the case of the Milo's Poultry Farms incident, the contamination was traced back to the packing facility and the environment where the hens were living.
Spotting the Affected Cartons in Your Fridge
Don't panic and throw away perfectly good food. You’re looking for specific markers.
Check the "Best By" dates. For the major recall events linked to Costco’s suppliers, the dates usually spanned several months because Salmonella can persist in a facility if not eradicated.
Look for the plant code. On every egg carton sold in the U.S., there is a "P" followed by four numbers. This is the USDA plant number. If your carton says P-1359, that was the specific facility under fire. If you see that number, stop. Don't make an omelet. Don't even give them to the dog.
Wait.
What if the code is different? If your code is P-1020 or something else entirely, you are likely holding eggs from a completely different regional supplier. Costco uses a network of farms. The eggs you buy in California are almost certainly not from the same hens as the eggs sold in New Jersey.
What Salmonella Actually Does to You
Most people think it’s just a "stomach bug." Honestly, it’s way worse.
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Symptoms usually start between six hours and six days after eating the contaminated eggs. You’ll know. It’s the kind of diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that make you want to live on the bathroom floor. For most healthy adults, it lasts about a week and you recover without antibiotics.
But for kids under five, or your grandma, or anyone with a compromised immune system, it’s a different story. It can get into the bloodstream. That is when it becomes life-threatening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections a year in the U.S. Eggs are one of the most frequent vehicles for the bacteria because it can exist both on the outside of the shell (from feces) and inside the egg if the hen's ovaries are infected.
Can You Just Cook the Bacteria Away?
Technically, yes. Heat kills Salmonella.
If you cook an egg until both the white and the yolk are firm, the bacteria should be dead. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F.
But here is the catch: cross-contamination.
You crack the egg. A little bit of raw white gets on your thumb. You touch the fridge handle. You touch the salt shaker. You wipe your hand on a dish towel. Now, even if you cook the egg to a crisp, you’ve turned your kitchen into a minefield. This is why health officials tell you to just toss the eggs. The risk of spreading the bacteria around your kitchen while preparing the meal isn't worth the $7 you spent on the carton.
The Financial Fallout for Costco and Farmers
Recall events are expensive. Costco is known for its "Member Satisfaction Guarantee," which means they will give you a full refund even if you don't have the receipt.
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When a Costco organic eggs recall happens, the logistics are a nightmare. They have to pull thousands of units, notify members via their purchase history—which they actually do quite well via automated calls and emails—and then find a new supplier to fill the gap.
For the farm involved, it’s often the end of the line. Milo’s Poultry Farms had to cease operations during the investigation. When you are a supplier for a giant like Costco, one mistake can bankrupt a multi-generation business. It's a high-stakes game.
How to Stay Safe During Future Recalls
You should probably sign up for the FDA's email alerts. It sounds boring, but it’s the only way to get the news before it hits the mainstream media cycle.
Also, keep your eggs in the original carton. I know those clear plastic organizers look great on Pinterest and Instagram, but they are a safety hazard. If you throw away the carton, you throw away the "Best By" date and the plant code. When a recall hits, you’ll have no idea if your eggs are the "poison" ones or the "safe" ones.
Keep them in the box.
Actionable Steps if You Have Recalled Eggs
If you’ve confirmed your eggs are part of the recall:
- Do not open the carton. If it’s already open, wrap it in a plastic bag and seal it tight.
- Return them to Costco. You don't need to stand in the regular return line usually; go to the membership desk. They will see the purchase on your account and hand you cash or a shop card.
- Sanitize everything. If the carton was sitting on a shelf in your fridge, wipe that shelf down with a bleach solution (one tablespoon of unscented bleach to one gallon of water).
- Watch for symptoms. If you already ate some, don't spiral into a panic. Just monitor your temperature. If you start feeling "off," call your doctor and mention the recall specifically so they can run the right tests.
Why This Keeps Happening
You might wonder why we can't just "fix" the food system. The reality is that our food chain is incredibly long and complex. One egg facility can process hundreds of thousands of eggs a day. A single fan in a barn blowing dust in the wrong direction can spread bacteria.
Costco’s organic eggs are generally high quality, but no system is perfect. The fact that the recall happened is actually a sign that the surveillance system works. They found the bacteria, traced the illnesses, and stopped the sales.
Moving forward, your best bet is to stay informed and treat raw eggs with the same respect you’d give raw chicken. Wash your hands. Clean your counters. And maybe, just maybe, keep that carton in the fridge until the last egg is gone.
Next Steps for the Concerned Shopper
Check your current carton for the plant code P-1359. If it isn't there, you're likely in the clear. If you still feel uneasy, stick to cooking your eggs "hard" (no runny yolks) for a few weeks until the news cycle clears. You can also monitor the FDA Recall Database for any new updates regarding Kirkland or other Costco-affiliated brands. Always prioritize the safety of high-risk family members like children or the elderly by erring on the side of caution and discarding any questionable dairy or poultry products immediately.