Butter Recall Affects Seven States Over Bacterial Contamination Concerns

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Cabot Creamery, a respected name in northeastern dairy production, recently issued a voluntary recall of its 8-ounce Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted. The move, initiated by parent company Agri-Mark Inc., followed the detection of elevated levels of coliform bacteria during routine quality testing. Although the product recall affects a limited distribution, it raises broader questions about food safety practices and the responsiveness of manufacturers to potential risks.

Details of the butter recall

The recalled butter, sold in 8-ounce packages, has a best-by date of September 9, 2025, and is marked with lot number 090925-055. The Universal Product Code is 0 78354 62038 0. This product was distributed to retail outlets and food service operations in seven states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

The Food and Drug Administration classified the event as a Class III recall, which means it is not expected to cause adverse health consequences. Despite the relatively low risk, the presence of coliform bacteria suggests a potential hygiene lapse during production or packaging, prompting swift action by the manufacturer to mitigate consumer exposure.

Understanding coliform bacteria

Coliform bacteria are a group of microorganisms commonly used as indicators of sanitary quality in food and water. While not inherently dangerous, their presence in food products may point to contamination from more harmful bacteria, including pathogens like E. coli. In dairy products, elevated coliform levels can indicate issues such as inadequate pasteurization, unsanitary equipment, or contaminated water used in production.

Consumption of products with high coliform levels is unlikely to cause illness in healthy individuals, but it can pose a risk to those with compromised immune systems, children, and the elderly. This makes detection and prevention crucial in dairy safety protocols.

Company response and recovery efforts

Agri-Mark Inc., which operates Cabot Creamery, reported that approximately 99.5 percent of the 189 cases totaling about 1,701 pounds of butter were recovered before reaching consumers. Only 17 units were sold at retail locations in Vermont, the company’s home state. The swift recovery and limited exposure indicate a strong internal response system and a proactive approach to product safety.

In a public statement, the company emphasized that the recall was voluntary and that no illnesses or adverse reactions had been reported. Customers in possession of the affected product were advised to discard it or return it to the point of purchase for a refund.

Consumer guidance

Consumers who purchased Cabot Creamery’s Extra Creamy Premium Butter with the listed lot number and UPC are encouraged to check their refrigerators. The company has provided clear instructions for returns and refunds. More importantly, it urges consumers to remain informed and cautious when food recalls are announced.

Retailers have already been notified and instructed to remove the affected product from shelves, and no further distribution is expected. The butter is no longer available for sale in the affected regions.

Sources:

• Euronews
• Cabot Creamery