Costco Kirkland Signature Butter Recall: What Consumers Need to Know
Consumers urged to check Kirkland Signature butter after major nationwide recall over allergen labeling concern.
Costco Kirkland Signature Butter Recall: Everything You Need to Know
On November 7, 2024, Costco and Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC initiated a recall of over 79,000 pounds of Kirkland Signature butter in the United States due to a crucial allergen labeling oversight. This household staple, sold under the trusted Kirkland Signature brand, was found to lack a required statement indicating it contains milk—a mandated disclosure under U.S. food labeling laws.
Background: Why Was Costco’s Butter Recalled?
The recall was prompted when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified that certain packages of Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter and Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter did not clearly state ‘Contains Milk,’ even though milk is a primary ingredient in all butter. While the ingredient lists included cream, the absence of the explicit allergen statement represented a violation of federal food labeling requirements designed to protect consumers with allergies.
Details of the Recall
- Issued by: Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC
- Announced on: November 7, 2024
- Total Quantity: Roughly 79,200 pounds (over 39.5 tons)
- Affected Products:
- Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (46,800 pounds)
- Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter (32,400 pounds)
- Distributed in: United States (including significant distribution in Texas)
Each affected package comprised four 4-ounce butter sticks—the classic packaging many shoppers recognize. The recall mainly affects Costco warehouses and consumers who purchased the product across several states.
Lot Numbers and Best-By Dates
The recalled butter lots can be identified by the following lot numbers and best-by dates:
| Product | Lot Number | Best-By Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter | 2424091 | Feb 22, 2025 |
| Kirkland Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter | 2424111 | Feb 23, 2025 |
| Kirkland Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter | 2426891 | Mar 22, 2025 |
| Kirkland Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter | 2426991 | Mar 23, 2025 |
| Kirkland Salted Sweet Cream Butter | 2424191 | Feb 23, 2025 |
| Kirkland Salted Sweet Cream Butter | 2427591 | Mar 29, 2025 |
If you have any Kirkland Signature butter in your refrigerator or freezer, check for the above lot numbers and best-by dates to determine whether your product is part of the recall.
Which Allergen Disclosure Was Missing?
The products involved did list ‘cream’ as an ingredient, but some packages were missing the statement ‘Contains Milk’ on their labeling. Federal law—specifically the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)—requires explicit allergen warnings for the nine major food allergens:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Sesame
Health Risks for Allergen-Sensitive Consumers
For individuals with milk allergies, even trace amounts can trigger reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Clear allergen labeling is thus not just a regulatory formality, but a critical safeguard for public health.
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FDA Classification: What Does Class II Mean?
The FDA designated this butter recall as a ‘Class II’ recall—this means use or exposure to the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
- Class I: Serious health hazards likely (e.g., undeclared allergen known to cause severe reactions)
- Class II: Temporary or reversible health effects possible, but not life-threatening
- Class III: Unlikely to cause adverse health consequences
The Kirkland butter recall falls in the middle category, reflecting the importance of allergen labeling compliance—even if immediate serious harm is not expected for most consumers.
What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Butter?
If you have purchased affected Kirkland Signature butter, you should act promptly:
- Do Not Consume: Especially if you or someone in your household has a dairy allergy.
- Return the Product: Take the butter back to any Costco location for a full refund.
- Dispose of the Product: If you choose not to return the butter, follow municipal guidelines for safe disposal.
Consumers may also contact their local Costco or check the Costco recall webpage for further guidance.
Understanding Allergen Labeling Laws
Under U.S. law, food manufacturers are required to:
- Clearly list ingredients derived from major allergens.
- Explicitly state if a food product ‘Contains’ any of the nine major allergens in a statement separate from the ingredient list.
- Maintain manufacturing and packaging practices to avoid accidental cross-contamination.
Omitting such a label—even if the allergen is obvious from the ingredients (“cream” in the case of butter)—is considered a violation and can be grounds for a recall.
Kirkland Butter Recall at a Glance
| Brand | Product Name | Type | Pounds Recalled | Key Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature | Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter | Unsalted | 46,800 | Missing milk allergen label |
| Kirkland Signature | Salted Sweet Cream Butter | Salted | 32,400 | Missing milk allergen label |
Broader Impacts of Food Recalls: Why Transparency Matters
Food safety recalls due to mislabeled allergens are frequent reminders of the vigilance required in the food industry:
- Protecting individuals with life-threatening allergies
- Ensuring consumer trust in major brands
- Compliance with local and federal regulations
Retailers like Costco are generally quick to respond to labeling issues, but such incidents also highlight the human and technological challenges of food packaging and supply chain management.
Comparison: Risks of Missing Allergen Label vs. Listeria Contamination
| Risk Type | Nature | Health Impact | Recall Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergen Mislabeling | Missing or incorrect allergy warning | Allergic reaction (mild to severe) | Class II |
| Microbial (e.g., Listeria) | Bacterial contamination | Serious illness, hospitalization, OR death especially in vulnerable groups | Usually Class I |
While this butter recall is ‘Class II,’ another contemporaneous recall involved Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon due to Listeria—emphasizing the range of risks addressed by food recall protocols.
Costco’s Recall Process and Consumer Communication
Costco is known for:
- Prominently posting recall notices on its website and in stores
- Offering no-hassle full refunds for recalled goods
- Providing clear instructions for product returns and disposal
If you check the official Costco recalls page, you’ll find all active and recent safety notices, including their archives for older notices.
What Are the Symptoms and Dangers of Milk Allergy?
A milk allergy—different from lactose intolerance—can cause:
- Skin rashes
- Swelling of lips, face, or throat
- Respiratory problems
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction
For families managing food allergies, a missing or ambiguous label is a significant risk factor when shopping for everyday items.
What Products Are NOT Affected?
Only the specific Kirkland Signature butter products and lots listed above are impacted by this recall. Other dairy and Kirkland Signature products are not involved unless separately listed in a Costco recall notice.
How to Stay Informed About Food Recalls
- Subscribe to recall alerts from FDA or USDA websites
- Follow major retailers like Costco for real-time updates
- Join allergen safety or advocacy groups for personalized notifications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is the missing ‘Contains Milk’ label such a big deal if butter is obviously a dairy product?
A: Federal law requires explicit, clear labeling of major allergens—even when the allergen may seem obvious. This extra step reduces risk of accidental exposure for people with severe allergies.
Q: Will Costco refund the recalled butter?
A: Yes. Costco’s standard policy is to offer a full refund for recalled products. Return the butter to any store location.
Q: I ate the recalled butter and have a milk allergy. What should I do?
A: Consult your healthcare provider immediately, especially if you experience any allergic symptoms. Save any packaging for reference, but do not eat any more of the product.
Q: Are other Kirkland Signature or Costco-branded dairy products affected?
A: Only the specific lots and varieties of Kirkland Signature Unsalted and Salted Sweet Cream Butter have been recalled. Other products are not included unless specifically listed.
Q: How can I check if my food items are part of future recalls?
A: Regularly review the product recall sections on retailer and FDA/USDA websites or sign up for email alerts regarding food safety notifications.
Consumer Resources and Next Steps
- Double-check your butter at home for affected lot numbers and best-by dates.
- Spread the word to friends and family who may have purchased Kirkland Signature butter recently.
- Contact Costco customer service for any additional questions or to report problems.
- Learn about your rights and consumer protections under U.S. food safety law.
Conclusion: Safety First
Food recalls—especially among large, trusted brands like Kirkland Signature—highlight the importance of rigorous labeling and consumer awareness. If you purchased Kirkland Signature butter recently, inspect your products promptly. For anyone living with food allergies, the recall serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for accurate labels and proactive consumer vigilance.
References
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