Costco Butter Recall 2024: Check Your Fridge for These Affected Products!
Costco recently issued a recall for nearly 80,000 pounds of its store-brand butter after a labeling error left out a critical detail: the product contains milk. This oversight, while seemingly minor, posed a significant risk to individuals with milk allergies, prompting swift action by the wholesaler.
What Was Recalled?
The recall affected two varieties of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Sweet Cream Butter:
- Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter – 46,800 pounds
- Salted Sweet Cream Butter – 32,400 pounds
In total, 79,200 pounds of butter were pulled from shelves because the labels failed to include the required “Contains Milk” allergen statement, though cream was listed as an ingredient.
FDA’s Role and Classification
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorized this as a Class II recall. This type of recall applies to products that might cause temporary or reversible health issues if consumed but are unlikely to result in serious harm.
The FDA highlighted that while cream was listed on the packaging, the omission of a clear “Contains Milk” statement created a potential allergen hazard.
Affected Butter Lots
The recalled butter products were manufactured by Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest and include the following lots:
- Lot 2424091 – Best By Feb 22, 2025
- Lot 2424111 – Best By Feb 23, 2025
- Lot 2424191 – Best By Feb 23, 2025
- Lot 2426891 – Best By Mar 22, 2025
- Lot 2426991 – Best By Mar 23, 2025
- Lot 2427591 – Best By Mar 29, 2025
If you have butter from these batches, it’s essential to take appropriate action.
What Should Consumers Do?
The FDA recommends that anyone who purchased the recalled butter should stop using it immediately. Consumers can either:
- Dispose of the product, or
- Return it to Costco for a full refund.
The FDA did not specify additional instructions for handling or disposing of the recalled butter. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution, especially if you or someone in your household has a milk allergy.
Why This Matters
Labeling allergens correctly is a vital part of food safety. For individuals with severe allergies, even small amounts of allergens like milk can lead to significant health risks, such as hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis. This recall underscores the importance of accurate food labeling to protect consumers from unintended exposure.
Costco’s quick action highlights their commitment to customer safety and their responsiveness to FDA guidelines. or concerns, Costco and the FDA are your best points of contact.