Costco has issued a recall of 79,200 pounds of butter due to an oversight regarding allergen labeling. The recall affects both Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter and Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter, as they failed to include a disclaimer noting the presence of milk.
Produced by Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, this butter was distributed solely in Texas, with a notable number of cases involved: 1,300 cases of unsalted butter and 900 cases of salted butter. Although the butter’s ingredient list included cream, it lacked the essential “Contains Milk” statement, raising potential safety concerns for consumers with milk allergies.
On November 7, the FDA designated the recall as a Class II, indicating that while exposure to the product could lead to temporary or medically reversible health issues for those allergic to milk, the likelihood of serious health consequences is considered low. The affected butter has “best by” dates ranging from February 22, 2025, to March 29, 2025.
This incident highlights the importance of clear labeling, as mandated by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, which identifies eight major food allergens, including milk. These allergens are responsible for approximately 90% of food allergies in the U.S.
While both Costco and Continental Dairy Facilities have not yet responded to media inquiries regarding this matter, it underscores Costco’s ongoing commitment to consumer safety. Shoppers should always be vigilant about ingredient labels, especially those with known food allergies. This situation serves as a reminder of the industry’s responsibility to provide accurate labeling and transparency.
In summary, Costco’s recall addresses a critical food safety issue by emphasizing the need for proper allergen disclosures, ultimately aiming to foster a safer shopping environment for all consumers.