Costco Recalls Kirkland Signature Butter Due to Allergen Labeling Issue
Thousands of pounds of Kirkland Signature butter pulled from Costco shelves after missing milk allergen warning triggers FDA recall.
In one of the largest recent food safety recalls impacting U.S. consumers, Costco has recalled more than 79,000 pounds of its Kirkland Signature butter due to a missing allergen warning for milk. The recall, announced in November 2024, highlights the critical importance of accurate food labeling—especially for individuals with food allergies. This in-depth article explores the details of the recall, the products and regions affected, consumer guidance, and broader implications for food safety regulations.
Overview of the Costco Butter Recall
On November 7, 2024, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC, the supplier for Costco’s Kirkland Signature butter, initiated a recall affecting both salted and unsalted sweet cream butters under the popular Kirkland Signature brand. The recall was published via the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website and affects products distributed throughout the United States, with a notable portion located in Texas.
- Products affected: Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter and Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter.
- Reason: The packaging lacked the required “Contains Milk” allergen statement.
- Manufacturer: Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC.
- Total recalled: Over 79,000 pounds (specifically around 79,200 pounds).
- Date posted: November 7, 2024.
- Recall classification: FDA “Class II”—the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with a remote probability of more serious issues.
The butter packages listed “cream” as an ingredient but omitted the federally required “Contains Milk” warning meant for consumers with allergies.
Which Kirkland Signature Butter Products Were Recalled?
The recall specifically involves two varieties:
- Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (46,800 pounds affected)
- Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter (32,400 pounds affected)
The butter was packaged in 16-ounce containers, each holding four individually wrapped 4-ounce sticks, a familiar format for many Costco shoppers. Distribution included approximately 2,100 cases in Texas alone, but products were accessible in multiple states.
| Product Type | Lot Number | Best By Date |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 2424091 | Feb 22, 2025 |
| Unsalted Butter | 2424111 | Feb 23, 2025 |
| Unsalted Butter | 2426891 | Mar 22, 2025 |
| Unsalted Butter | 2426991 | Mar 23, 2025 |
| Salted Butter | 2424191 | Feb 23, 2025 |
| Salted Butter | 2427591 | Mar 29, 2025 |
Consumers can use these lot numbers and best-by dates to identify whether their butter purchase is part of the recall.
Why Was the Butter Recalled?
Under U.S. law, the presence of major allergens—including milk—must be clearly disclosed on food product packaging, typically in a separate “Contains” statement. In this recall, while the ingredient list mentioned “cream” (which in itself is a milk product), it did not include the explicit statement “Contains Milk” as mandated.
Most consumers expect butter to contain milk, but this regulatory step is especially critical for those with severe milk allergies or those shopping for others with dietary restrictions.
- Federal law requires disclosure for milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
- The omission posed a risk for the small population that may not realize butter contains milk.
What others are reading
The FDA categorized this as a “Class II” recall—meaning the hazard is temporary or medically reversible, and the chance of serious harm is remote.
How to Identify the Recalled Butter
If you have recently purchased Kirkland Signature butter from Costco, you should check:
- The product variety (Salted or Unsalted Sweet Cream)
- The lot number—printed on the original packaging
- The best-by date (if your product lists any of the six dates in the table above, it is likely included in the recall)
Recalled butter products were distributed primarily in Texas but may have appeared in other states through traditional supply channels.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you find that you have purchased the recalled Kirkland Signature butter, FDA guidance is clear:
- Do not consume the product if you have a milk allergy or are buying for someone with one.
- Dispose of the butter or return it to Costco for a full refund.
- If you have already used the butter and do not have allergies, the risk to the general population is low.
- If symptoms of a milk allergy appear after consumption (such as swelling, hives, difficulty breathing), seek immediate medical attention.
As of the latest statements, there have been no reports of illness or injury associated with the recall, but the failure to list the allergen is a violation of food safety protocols.
How Does the Recall Process Work?
The FDA regulates food recalls in the U.S., classifying them based on the likely severity of the health hazard:
- Class I: Products with a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health effects or death.
- Class II: Products that may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health impacts. The probability of serious reactions is remote (as in this butter recall).
- Class III: Products unlikely to cause adverse health consequences but still violate regulations.
The Kirkland Signature butter recall falls under Class II, primarily because the lack of an explicit allergen warning could temporarily affect individuals with milk allergies.
The Importance of Allergen Labeling in Food Safety
Accurate labeling is crucial for individuals living with food allergies, intolerances, or those responsible for such individuals. The U.S. recognizes nine major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame), requiring clear labeling and “Contains” statements to protect consumers.
- Even trace amounts of allergens can trigger serious or life-threatening reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Manufacturers are legally obligated to ensure labels are accurate and visible, covering all potential allergen exposures.
Failure to meet these labeling standards is a leading cause of food product recalls in the United States. This recall highlights how even widely consumed, seemingly obvious food products (like butter) must still comply with strict regulatory labeling protocols.
What to Do If You Have a Food Allergy
- Always read packaging carefully, even for staple products.
- If you have a milk allergy (or care for someone who does), double-check ingredient lists and allergen statements on all dairy and dairy-derived products.
- Sign up for recall alerts from the FDA or your retailer for foods that are potential risks for your allergy profile.
Recent Related Food Recalls
This Kirkland Signature butter recall isn’t the only allergen-related incident in recent months. In a similar time frame, Acme Smoked Fish Corp. also announced a recall of 111 cases of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Food recalls due to allergen omissions or cross-contamination are not uncommon, underscoring the importance of vigilance in manufacturing and distribution as well as proactive monitoring by consumers.
What Costco Shoppers Should Know
Costco maintains a proactive product recall and safety notice policy. Updates on this and other product recalls can be found on the official Costco website recall page, which includes information on everything from food items to household products.
- Costco typically offers full refunds on recalled products when presented with the item or proof of purchase.
- Shoppers should check Costco’s recall list regularly for updates on any ongoing or new safety notices.
- The store works directly with suppliers and federal agencies to ensure fast action on any safety or labeling concerns.
How Can Consumers File a Complaint or Report an Issue?
- Contact your local Costco store’s customer service desk.
- Use the FDA’s MedWatch program to report reactions or labeling issues online.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s or FDA’s websites for guidance on product recalls and reporting unsafe foods.
Consumer vigilance and reporting are vital for the early identification and management of food safety issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What prompted the recall of Kirkland Signature butter at Costco?
A: The products were recalled because the labeling did not include the required “Contains Milk” allergen statement, posing an undeclared allergen risk.
Q: How do I know if my Costco butter purchase is affected?
A: Check the lot number and best-by date on your butter. If the numbers match those listed in the recall, your product is affected.
Q: Can I eat the butter if I’m not allergic to milk?
A: The general risk is very low for those without milk allergies. The recall was issued out of caution for individuals at risk of serious allergic reactions.
Q: What should I do with recalled butter?
A: Dispose of the butter or return it to Costco for a full refund.
Q: Has anyone been injured or sickened by the recalled butter?
A: At the time of recall publication, there were no reported illnesses or injuries related to the omission.
Key Takeaways for Consumers
- Always check product packaging for allergen information, even on familiar items.
- Heed recall notices and ensure products are safe before use, especially for those with allergies.
- Costco and the FDA are committed to consumer safety and provide regular recall updates and guidance online.
- When in doubt, do not use affected products and contact customer support for assistance.
Learn More and Stay Updated
Food recalls can affect anyone. For ongoing safety, consider registering for recall alerts and regularly reviewing the FDA and Costco recall sites to stay informed.
- Visit your local Costco or check their official recall website for information.
- The FDA maintains a searchable list of current food recalls for consumer reference.
Keeping up with recall notices and understanding allergen labeling can protect you and your loved ones from unnecessary health risks.
References
- https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/costco-class-action-lawsuit-and-settlement-news/costco-recalls-kirkland-signature-butter/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/costco-butter-recall/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo-oVverzrM
- https://www.aol.com/costco-forced-recall-80-000-145047520.html
- https://www.costco.com/recalls.html
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