After recently recalling smoked salmon over potential Listeria contamination, Costco is back in the headlines. This time, the massive warehouse retailer issued another recall involving 79,200 pounds of butter. And Costco fans can’t believe the reason behind it.
According to Food and Wine, the recall was issued after an undeclared allergen was discovered. Although the salted and unsalted versions of Kirkland Signature Sweet Cream Butter listed cream as an ingredient, the “Contains Milk” allergy statement may not have been visible on the packaging.
This oversight led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to classify the recall as Class II, which means that while health risks are possible, they’re generally considered temporary or medically reversible.
Why the Recall Was Necessary
Costco’s recalled butter was produced and distributed in Texas and came with “best by” dates between February 22, 2025, and March 29, 2025. The main issue was the absence of a visible allergen warning, a critical requirement for any dairy product.
Food allergy guidelines require allergen statements on products that contain milk or other allergens to protect people with severe allergies who rely on accurate labels to avoid potentially life-threatening reactions.
FDA’s Class II Recall Classification
The FDA categorizes recalls based on the level of risk they pose. A Class II recall, like this one, is issued when a product might cause health problems that are generally not severe or are reversible.
While an allergic reaction could still occur, the risk of a life-threatening reaction is considered remote.
Costco Fans React to the Recall
Costco fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the recall. While some were concerned about the potential risks for those with dairy allergies, many fans also took a humorous approach. Here’s what they had to say:
- “Feel free to drop the recalled butter off at my house! I’ve got a lot of holiday baking to do.”
- “Do they know chocolate milk doesn’t come from brown cows?”
- “I suggest disposing of it in a skillet with some steak and eggs!”
However, not everyone was joking. Others pointed out that food allergies are no laughing matter:
- “People with severe dairy allergies rely on accurate labels to stay safe. This recall is necessary.”
- “It would be nice if they could donate this butter to food banks.”
Why Food Labels Matter for Allergy Safety
Food allergies, especially severe ones, are not something to take lightly. The most straightforward exposure to allergens like milk can trigger severe reactions in some individuals.
According to the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization, around 32 million Americans have food allergies, with about 6 million being children. Precise labeling is essential to ensure these individuals’ safety.
What to Do if You Have Costco’s Recalled Butter
If you recently bought Kirkland Signature Sweet Cream Butter from Costco, here’s what you should do:
- Check the Best By Dates: Look for packages from February 22, 2025, to March 29, 2025.
- Return It to Costco: If you have a package within this date range, return it to Costco for a full refund.
- Dispose of It Safely: If returning the product isn’t possible, dispose of it so others can’t mistakenly use it.
The Importance of Allergy Labels on Food Products
Labeling errors, even seemingly minor ones, can lead to significant recalls. This incident highlights the importance of accurate food labels, especially for common allergen products.
From milk and eggs to nuts and shellfish, allergen labels help millions of people make safe food choices. For retailers like Costco, compliance with labeling requirements is crucial to protecting customers and ensuring food safety.
FAQs
Why did Costco recall 79,200 pounds of butter?
The recall was due to an undeclared milk allergen. Although cream was listed as an ingredient, the “Contains Milk” allergen statement might not have been visible on the packaging, creating a potential risk for individuals with dairy allergies.
What does a Class II recall mean?
A Class II recall is issued when a product could lead to temporary or medically reversible health issues. While allergic reactions could occur in sensitive individuals, the FDA considers the risk of severe or long-term effects remote.
What should I do if I have Kirkland Signature Sweet Cream Butter from Costco?
Check the “best by” dates. If your package arrives between February 22, 2025, and March 29, 2025, return it to Costco for a full refund or dispose of it to prevent others from accidentally using it.
How serious are food allergy labeling errors?
Labeling errors can be grave. People with food allergies rely on labels to avoid allergens that could trigger life-threatening reactions. Failing to disclose allergens can lead to accidental exposure, making accurate labeling critical for public health.
Can the recalled butter be donated to food banks?
Food recalls for allergens typically prevent products from being donated because they pose a risk to individuals with allergies.
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