In early October 2024, Costco issued a significant recall on its Kirkland Signature brand butter, affecting nearly 80,000 pounds of product due to a labeling oversight. Milk is one of the top allergens that can cause severe reactions, making accurate labeling essential.
The recall impacts Texas customers who purchased specific batches of Kirkland Signature butter, with additional details from the FDA to help consumers take action. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, why, and what you should do if you have one of the affected products.
Why Costco Recalled Kirkland Signature Butter
Costco’s recall affects Kirkland Signature salted and unsalted sweet cream butter, all produced by Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC, a Texas-based supplier. The issue concerns some packages’ missing “Contains Milk” allergen warning.
While cream (a milk-based ingredient) is listed on the packaging, the specific allergen warning was missing on some units. The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, meaning it may cause temporary health effects, but adverse severe consequences are unlikely.
Essential Details on the Affected Butter
The recall affects Texas customers who bought:
- Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter (4-ounce and 16-ounce sizes) — 900 cases, or roughly 32,400 pounds
- Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (4-ounce and 16-ounce sizes) — 1,300 cases, totaling 46,800 pounds
The affected products have “Best Buy” dates from February 22, 2025, to March 29, 2025. Lot numbers are available on the FDA’s website for anyone wanting to check if their purchase is impacted.
What Does a Class II Recall Mean?
The FDA’s Class II recall designation indicates a potential for temporary or reversible health issues in individuals allergic to milk.
However, the risk of severe reactions is minimal. In cases like this, the FDA requires the product to be removed from shelves to ensure consumers with allergies aren’t at risk.
While many people can safely consume this butter, those with milk allergies should avoid it to prevent potential reactions.
What You Should Do if You Have the Recalled Butter
If you’re a Texas Costco customer who purchased Kirkland Signature salted or unsalted butter, the FDA recommends the following:
- Do not consume or open the butter if it falls within the specified dates and lot numbers.
- Please return it to any Costco store for a full refund.
- If in doubt, check the lot number on the FDA’s website or contact Costco’s customer service for more information.
Even though the FDA hasn’t provided specific disposal instructions, it’s common practice to return recalled food products to the store for a refund or safely dispose of them at home.
How This Recall Fits Into Costco’s History of Food Safety
This isn’t the first time Costco has dealt with recalls. Over the years, the retail giant has issued several food recalls, often as a proactive measure to protect consumers.
Costco’s commitment to customer safety means they frequently act quickly on reports from suppliers, ensuring affected products are swiftly removed from shelves.
What Customers with Allergies Should Remember
Anyone with allergies should check ingredient labels, particularly for common allergens like milk, eggs, soy, and nuts. Labeling errors can occasionally occur, but stores like Costco often swiftly correct these issues.
Conclusion
The recent recall of Kirkland Signature butter sold at Costco highlights the importance of allergen labeling in food safety. If you’ve purchased butter at Coyou’ven, Texas, check the lot numbers and “Best Buy” dates to see if you’re allergic.
Customers with allergies are urged not to use the product and should return it to the store for a refund.
By acting swiftly, Costco has prioritized customer safety and transparency. Always check labels, especially if you or someone in your household has a food allergy, and contact customer service if you need clarification.
FAQs
How do I know if I have one of the recalled Kirkland Signature butter products?
The recalled products include the 4-ounce and 16-ounce Kirkland Signature salted and unsalted sweet cream butter, with “Best Buy” dates between February 22, “025, and March 29, 2025. You can verify by checking the lot numbers listed on the FDA’s website.
What should FDAs be with the butter if I’ve opened it?
If you have the product and milk allergies, you can continue using it safely. However, if you or anyone in your household is allergic to milk, it’s best to stop using it and turn it into Costco for a refund.
Why is milk considered a severe allergen?
Milk is one of the eight most common food allergens and can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals, including hives, breathing difficulties, and, in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. Accurate labeling is essential to help people with allergies avoid exposure.
Is there a risk of illness if I consume the butter?
The product is safe to consume for individuals without milk allergies. The recall is focused on labeling and allergen warnings rather than a risk of foodborne illness. However, those with milk allergies should avoid consuming the butter due to the missing allergen warning.
Can I still purchase Kirkland Signature butter?
Yes, Costco is likely to have restocked with corrected labels. For peace of mind, check the labeling on any butter you buy to ensure it meets allergen labeling requirements.
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