Costco shoppers with dairy allergies should take note: an estimated 80,000 pounds of the retailer’s Kirkland Signature butter are being recalled due to missing allergy information on the packaging. This recall affects both salted and unsalted varieties of Kirkland Signature Sweet Cream Butter. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the issue arose because the packaging failed to display the “Contains Milk” statement, which is crucial for consumers with dairy allergies.
The butter recall, initiated on October 11, involves approximately 1,300 cases distributed across Costco stores in multiple states. In total, 79,200 pounds of the product are impacted, with 46,800 pounds of Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter and 32,400 pounds of Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter included in the recall, according to FDA records. The wholesaler responsible, based in Littlefield, Texas, discovered the oversight and promptly alerted the FDA to prevent further distribution.
For those with dairy allergies, even trace amounts of milk can trigger severe allergic reactions, potentially leading to anaphylaxis—a life-threatening condition if untreated. Though Kirkland Signature butter is clearly a dairy product, the absence of a clear allergen warning could be problematic for those who rely on the labeling for safety, especially if they share a household with people who have dairy allergies. While dairy allergies are relatively common, those with this sensitivity face unique challenges in identifying hidden sources of milk-derived ingredients in various products, even if those products are traditionally dairy-based.
Costco is advising customers who purchased Kirkland Signature Sweet Cream Butter to check their packaging and return any recalled items for a full refund if the “Contains Milk” label is absent. To ensure customer safety, Costco is working with the wholesaler to correct the labeling issue and is urging shoppers to be vigilant, particularly if they or someone they know has a dairy allergy.
The FDA also reminds consumers that product labeling plays a significant role in food safety, particularly for allergens. Federal regulations require clear labeling for the eight major allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy. When this information is missing, food products are subject to recall to prevent inadvertent exposure. In this case, Costco and its wholesaler acted quickly to pull potentially problematic inventory, highlighting the importance of allergen labeling in the food industry.
While this particular recall may appear straightforward, it underscores the critical need for food companies to maintain rigorous quality control measures to prevent allergen mislabeling. With increased vigilance, companies and consumers alike can help reduce the risks associated with food allergies.
For further details on this recall or to find out if your butter is affected, customers can visit the FDA’s website or contact Costco’s customer service. This incident also serves as a reminder for consumers to check labels carefully, especially if someone in the household has known food allergies.
