Costco Recalls Roughly 80,000 Pounds of Butter for an Unusual Reason.

In a surprising move that’s sparked some online humor, nearly 80,000 pounds of butter sold at Costco stores in Texas are being voluntarily recalled. Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC initiated the recall, affecting two types of Kirkland Signature butter—salted and unsalted versions—due to a labeling oversight.

The recall focuses on the lack of an allergen warning for milk, an ingredient expected in butter but still required by federal guidelines to be explicitly labeled.

Here’s everything you need to know about this unusual recall, which has led to mixed reactions among consumers and the online community.

Details of the Kirkland Signature Butter Recall

The recall covers approximately:

• 46,800 pounds of Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (sold in 1-pound packs containing four 4-ounce sticks)
• 32,400 pounds of Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter (also sold in 1-pound packs of four 4-ounce sticks)

Impacted Lots and Dates

These butter products have specific lot numbers and “Best By” dates:

• Unsalted Butter:
  • Lot No. 2424091, Best By February 22, 2025
  • Lot No. 2424111, Best By February 23, 2025
  • Lot No. 2426891, Best By March 22, 2025
  • Lot No. 2426991, Best By March 23, 2025
• Salted Butter:
  • Lot No. 2424191, Best By February 23, 2025
  • Lot No. 2427591, Best By March 29, 2025

If you’ve recently purchased Kirkland Signature Butter at Costco and it matches any of these details, it may be affected by the recall. Costco advises customers to discard it or return it to the store for a full refund.

Why Was the Butter Recalled?

The FDA classified this recall as a Class II recall. According to the FDA, a Class II recall occurs when a product might cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” for those with sensitivities. Still, the risk of severe health consequences is minimal.

While the cream is listed in the ingredients, the “Contains Milk” statement is missing, which is crucial for people with milk allergies. Since milk is one of the FDA’s nine major allergens, all products containing it must have this label.

Online Reactions and the FDA’s Stance

The recall has stirred a mix of amusement and frustration on social media. Many have questioned the need for such a recall when it’s widely understood that butter contains milk. Some social media reactions included:

• “80,000 pounds of Costco butter recalled because the label doesn’t say it contains milk. It’s butter!”
• “Breaking news…Ice is made from water.”
• “Can I safely dispose of the butter at my house? I’ve got a lot of holiday baking to do!”

On platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), comments range from joking about the recall to defending the stringency of FDA regulations.

Some users pointed out that, while the recall may seem over the top, food allergies are no joke, and having clear, reliable labels is essential.

Importance of Food Labeling for Allergens

The FDA requires food manufacturers to clearly label any of the nine major allergens, including milk, to protect consumers with allergies.

Though it may seem redundant, this requirement serves a vital purpose, particularly for people with severe milk allergies who need absolute clarity on ingredient lists.

While most people can assume butter contains milk, food safety regulations don’t rely on assumptions. These labeling standards aim to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to allergens, ensuring that individuals can confidently buy and consume products without worrying about hidden allergens.

What to Do If You Have Recalled Butter

If you have a Kirkland Signature butter product from Costco that matches the affected lot numbers, here’s what to do:

• Return it to Costco: The store will provide a full refund.
• Dispose of it safely: If you have a milk allergy, discard the butter to avoid reactions.

Those without allergies can safely consume the product, as it meets all other quality standards. The recall is solely due to the labeling issue.

Conclusion

This recall highlights the FDA’s commitment to consumer safety, even in cases where allergens seem obvious. For those with allergies, every label matters, and oversights like this can have real consequences.

So, while it may seem like a minor mistake, it’s part of a system designed to protect consumers across all dietary needs.

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