Costco Customers with Dairy Allergies Advised to Check Their Butter
Costco shoppers with dairy allergies may need to take extra precautions this week. Nearly 80,000 pounds of butter sold under the retailer’s Kirkland Signature brand have been recalled due to a missing “Contains Milk” allergen statement on the packaging, according to a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Details of the Recall
The recall covers 1,300 cases, or 79,200 pounds of butter, and was announced on October 11 by a wholesaler from Littlefield, Texas. The FDA discovered that all the products lacked the appropriate ‘Contains Milk’ statement, which is essential for people with milk intolerance.
The recalled products include:
- Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter: 46,800 pounds
- Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter: 32,400 pounds
Key Information:
- Reason for Recall: Missing allergen label (“Contains Milk”)
- Recall Classification: Class II, meaning the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.
- Affected Areas: Distributed across Texas (specific regions not disclosed)
- Date Initiated: October 11, 2024
FDA Classifies Recall as Class II
November 7 the FDA officially classified this recall as Class II, which means that exposure to the product may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects. However, it is technically a Class II recall which means unlike Class I, which implies potential risk to health and lives, this would still be dangerous for people with severe dairy allergic reactions.
Lot Numbers and “Best By” Dates for Recalled Butter:
To help customers identify the affected products, here are the specific lot numbers and “Best By” dates:
- Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter:
- Lot No. 2424091: Best By Feb. 22, 2025
- Lot No. 2424111: Best By Feb. 23, 2025
- Lot No. 2426891: Best By March 22, 2025
- Lot No. 2426991: Best By March 23, 2025
- Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter:
- Lot No. 2424191: Best By Feb. 23, 2025
- Lot No. 2427591: Best By March 29, 2025
What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Butter?
While the FDA did not specify instructions for handling the recalled butter, FoodSafety.gov advises consumers to either return the affected products to the store for a refund or dispose of them properly to prevent others or animals from consuming them.
Recommended Actions:
- Check your fridge for any of the affected Kirkland Signature butter products.
- Return the product to your local Costco for a full refund.
- Dispose of the product safely if returning is not feasible, ensuring it cannot be eaten by others or animals.
Social Media Reacts to the Recall
The recall announcement has provoked discussions on the social media apps, where many users are questioning the need to do the recall. Some comments were indifferent and laughed at the situation and some people failed to understand why there should be a “Contains Milk” label when they see that butter is made from milk naturally.
I’m picturing a comment section of Costco’s page where customers write something like: We all know butter contains milk. However, according to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act the labeling of all the main allergens is mandatory regardless of whether these components can be seen to be in the food or not in order to protect people with severe food allergies.
Costco and FDA’s Ongoing Commitment to Food Safety
As of now, it is unclear whether any allergic reactions have been reported due to the mislabeled butter. USA TODAY reached out to Costco for further comment, but the retailer has yet to respond. In the meantime, Costco is working closely with the FDA to address this oversight and prevent similar issues in the future.
FoodRecall #CostcoAlert #FDAUpdate
