Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC has issued a recall of 79,200 pounds of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Sweet Cream Butter due to missing allergen labeling.
While the cream is an ingredient, the packaging may lack the essential “Contains Milk” allergy notice. This omission could pose a risk to those with milk allergies unaware of the butter’s content.
The recall was first announced on October 11, 2024, and as of November 7, 2024, the FDA has categorized it as a Class II recall. A Class II recall means that while consuming the product may lead to mild or reversible health effects for those allergic to milk, the chance of severe health issues is relatively low.
Types of Butter Recalled and Quantities Involved
This recall includes two Kirkland Signature Sweet Cream Butter types: salted and unsalted. The affected quantities and case details are as follows:
- Unsalted Butter: 1,300 cases, totaling 46,800 pounds
- Salted Butter: 900 cases, totaling 32,400 pounds
How to Check if Your Butter Is Part of the Recall
Look at the UPC and Lot Codes printed on the packaging to determine if your butter is included in the recall. Here’s a breakdown for each type:
- Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (1-pound packages of four 4-ounce sticks, UPC 96619-38496):
- Lot #2424091: Best By February 22, 2025
- Lot #2424111: Best By February 23, 2025
- Lot #2426891: Best By March 22, 2025
- Lot #2426991: Best By March 23, 2025
- Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter (1-pound packages of four 4-ounce sticks, UPC 96619-38488):
- Lot #2424191: Best By February 23, 2025
- Lot #2427591: Best By March 29, 2025
If you have any of these products with matching UPC and lot codes, it is part of the recall.
What to Do if You Have the Recalled Butter
The FDA hasn’t issued specific instructions for handling the recalled butter. However, here’s some guidance if you discover your butter is affected:
- For those with milk allergies: Avoid consuming the butter, as it may cause mild or reversible symptoms associated with milk allergies.
- For those without milk allergies: The product is still safe to consume if you do not have a milk allergy. However, if you prefer not to take risks, you can return the butter to Costco or wherever you purchased it for a full refund.
Conclusion
While the missing allergen information may cause concerns, the FDA has confirmed that this Kirkland Signature butter recall poses a low risk for those without milk allergies.
However, it’s best to avoid the affected batches for individuals with milk allergies to prevent potential mild reactions. Customers may return the product for a refund if desired.
FAQs
Why was Kirkland Signature Butter recalled?
The butter was recalled because its packaging lacks a “Contains Milk” label, essential for those with milk allergies. This missing information could cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
How can I identify if my butter is part of the recall?
Look for the UPCs and lot numbers on the packaging. Affected products include salted and unsalted varieties, each with specific lot numbers and expiration dates in the recall announcement.
What does a Class II recall mean?
A Class II recall is issued when a product’s use could lead to mild or reversible health effects. In this case, exposure to the butter might cause minor reactions for those with milk allergies, but the risk of severe consequences is low.
Is it safe to consume the butter if I don’t have a milk allergy?
Yes, the butter is still safe for consumption if you are not allergic to milk. However, you may return it to Costco or the original purchase location for a refund if you prefer to avoid consuming it.
What should I do if I’ve eaten the recalled butter and have a milk allergy?
If you’ve consumed the butter and are experiencing itching, swelling, or other allergy-related symptoms, consider consulting a healthcare professional for appropriate care.
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