Costco Recalls 80,000 Pounds of Butter over Undeclared Milk Allergen
Costco recently announced a recall of nearly 80,000 pounds of its Kirkland Signature butter due to undeclared milk allergens on the product label. While butter is inherently a dairy product, FDA regulations require explicit labeling of allergens to ensure the safety of consumers with allergies.
This recall is part of what has become a record-setting year for food safety recalls in the US, with undeclared allergens consistently leading the list of causes. The sharp rise in recalls highlights persistent challenges in maintaining compliance with FDA regulations across the food industry.
The scope and impact of the Costco butter recall
The recall affects both salted and unsalted varieties of Kirkland Signature butter, with ‘best by’ dates ranging from February 22, 2025, to March 29, 2025. Costco initiated the recall after discovering that the packaging lacked the required ‘Contains Milk’ allergen statement.
Affected products were distributed across multiple Costco locations in the US, leading to widespread consumer impact. Customers who purchased the butter have been advised to return it to their nearest Costco warehouse for a full refund. The retailer has also issued notices through its website and customer service channels to ensure the message reaches all potentially impacted buyers.
Understanding the FDA’s allergen labeling requirements
The FDA mandates that all food products list major allergens, including milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, and shellfish, among others. These rules are designed to protect consumers from unintended exposure to allergens, which can lead to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.
Despite butter being an obvious dairy product, manufacturers must include a clear ‘Contains Milk’ statement on the packaging. This redundancy ensures that individuals with allergies or their caregivers do not overlook potential hazards, even in products where the allergen seems inherent.
Public health implications of undeclared allergens
The absence of proper allergen labeling is not merely a regulatory lapse but a significant public health concern. For individuals with milk allergies, consuming products like butter without clear allergen warnings can result in severe reactions, including hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. These reactions can occur even with trace amounts of the allergen, making accurate labeling an essential safeguard.
This year’s record-setting food recall numbers further emphasize the importance of vigilance in manufacturing and distribution. For manufacturers and retailers, incidents like this highlight the need for stringent quality control measures, robust supply chain oversight, and adherence to food safety laws.
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