Costco Pulls Popular Product Over Unseen Allergen Risk

The recent FDA Class II recall of Costco’s Kirkland Signature butter due to a missing allergen label underlines significant safety concerns and regulatory diligence.

At a Glance

The FDA recalled 79,200 pounds of Kirkland Signature butter for a labeling issue.
The absence of a “Contains Milk” warning prompts the recall, affecting salted and unsalted styles.
Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC initiated the recall; no adverse effects reported.
Consumers with milk allergies are advised to discard or return for safety.

FDA Class II Recall Details

The FDA announced a Class II recall of 79,200 pounds of butter from Costco’s Kirkland Signature line, addressing concerns over missing milk allergen labeling. The recall comprises both unsalted and salted variants. Despite cream being listed, the absence of a direct “Contains Milk” statement raises safety concerns for those with milk allergies. Consequently, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC initiated this recall, although no adverse effects have been reported yet. The risk involves medically reversible reactions rather than severe health threats.

Products affected by this recall can be identified via lot numbers and relevant “Best By” dates, which span from February 22, 2025, to March 29, 2025. Consumers are urged to scrutinize package labels carefully for these specific markers to avoid potential allergen exposure. The recall affects 1,300 unsalted and 900 salted butter cases, presenting a tangible concern to those allergic to milk.

A recall for Kirkland Signature butter was announced last month and the FDA has just elevated the recall to a Class II which indicates a higher risk.https://t.co/oTXqyPEWIE

— The Takeout (@thetakeout) November 8, 2024

Consumer Response and Guidance

In light of this recall, concerned consumers can return their products to Costco for a refund or safely discard them to prevent allergic reactions. Despite no guidance from the FDA or Costco, common sense prevails in addressing such allergen issues. The FDA categorizes a Class II recall where “the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” This situation reiterates the importance of food labeling and consumer vigilance.

The FDA website posted, “It’s very important to read the entire ingredient list to see if your allergen is present. If you see its name even once, it’s back to the shelf for that food product too.”

While this issue may seem minor, stringent food safety systems ensure thorough checks. One Redditor commented, “Seems a little silly but, as someone with food allergies, I take comfort in the thoroughness of our food safety systems.” This high standard aims to protect all consumers, even from seemingly obvious risks like butter’s milk content.

Broader Implications and Additional Recalls

Beyond the Kirkland butter recall, other products such as smoked salmon and Belgian waffles have faced recalls due to listeria concerns. Consumers should remain vigilant about existing products in their fridges, ensuring recalls involving cheese, ready-to-eat meats, or eggs don’t slip through their notice. Food safety requires ongoing attention, both from regulatory bodies and from individual consumers who must actively engage with product safety announcements.

This recall emphasizes the requirement for clearly defined labeling practices and serves as a poignant reminder of the strict procedures placed on consumer goods, further empowering individuals to take active responsibility in their dietary choices and health safety moving forward.