Costco customers with dairy allergies may need to check their fridge due to 80,000 pounds of the retailer's butter being recalled for packaging missing the "Contains Milk statement," according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall for 1,300 cases containing 79,200 pounds of butter was initiated on Oct. 11 by a wholesaler in Littlefield, Texas due to an undeclared allergen, FDA records show. The allergen in the Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (46,800 pounds) and Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter (32,400 pounds) was milk, the federal agency said.
On Nov. 7, the recall was classified as a Class II, meaning the use of, or exposure to the butter "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences," according to the FDA. The federal agency's records show that the butter was distributed throughout Texas, but which parts were not disclosed.
It is also unclear if any customers have suffered allergic reactions to the butter.
USA TODAY contacted Costco on Monday but has not received a response.
What to do with the recalled butter?
The FDA did not provide instructions for customers who have already purchased the butter. FoodSafety.gov recommends people either return recalled products to the store where they bought them for a refund, or trash the product properly so other people or animals cannot eat it.
The "Best By" dates and food lot numbers for the recalled butter products are:
- Lot No. 2424091: "Best By" date of Feb. 22, 2025 (Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter)
- Lot No. 2424111: "Best By" date of Feb. 23, 2025 (Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter)
- Lot No. 2426891: "Best By" date of March 22, 2025 (Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter)
- Lot No. 2426991: "Best By" date of March 23, 2025 (Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter)
- Lot No. 2424191: "Best By" date of Feb. 23, 2025 (Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter)
- Lot No. 2427591: "Best By" date of March 29, 2025 (Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter)
Social media responds to recall: 'We all know butter contains milk'
Social media users have reacted to the butter recall, with many questioning why it was even issued in the first place.
