Costco has recalled approximately 80,000 pounds of its Kirkland Signature butter due to missing allergen information on the packaging. The recall covers both salted and unsalted varieties, with the key missing ingredient being milk, which poses a risk to those with allergies. The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, indicating that the health risks are temporary or medically reversible.
In a significant product recall, Costco has withdrawn nearly 80,000 pounds of its Kirkland Signature butter from shelves. This action comes after it was discovered that the product's packaging failed to include 'milk' as an ingredient, a critical oversight for consumers with milk allergies. The recall affects multiple batches of both unsalted and salted varieties and has been classified by the FDA as a Class II recall, which means the exposure to the allergen may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
The recalled products include several batches of Kirkland Signature Unsalted and Salted Sweet Cream Butter. Specific lot numbers such as 2424091, 2424111, and 2427591, with best by dates ranging from February to March 2025, have been listed. These products were manufactured by Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the packaging did not comply with federal labeling requirements, which mandate the clear listing of all potential allergens, including milk.
The absence of milk on the ingredient label poses a serious risk to individuals with milk allergies, who might face health complications upon consumption. The FDA has urged consumers who have purchased the affected butter to check their refrigerators for the specific product codes and dispose of any matching products to avoid health risks. The recall emphasizes the critical nature of accurate food labeling and the potential consequences of errors in this area.
According to FDA guidelines, consumers in possession of the recalled butter should either return it to the retailer for a full refund or dispose of it securely to prevent consumption by others. The FDA also recommends washing and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled butter. These steps are part of a broader effort to ensure that the recall is managed effectively and that consumer safety is maintained.
The recall of Costco's Kirkland Signature butter highlights the importance of meticulous compliance with food labeling regulations, particularly concerning allergens. It serves as a reminder to all food producers about the potential health risks and legal consequences of labeling oversights. For consumers, it underscores the need to vigilantly check product labels, especially if they have allergies.
"The absence of milk on the ingredient label poses a serious risk to individuals with milk allergies." - FDA Official