Costco’s Kirkland Signature butter, manufactured by Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC, has been recalled due to an undeclared milk allergen, putting consumers with milk allergies at risk. The recall, covering approximately 79,200 pounds of butter, affects both salted and unsalted varieties of Kirkland Signature Sweet Cream Butter. Although cream is listed in the ingredients, the “Contains Milk” allergen statement is missing, leading the FDA to issue the recall.
FDA classification and health risks
On November 7, the FDA labeled the recall as Class II, meaning it could lead to temporary health issues for some individuals but is unlikely to cause severe adverse effects. As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) noted, milk is one of the main foods that “account for most serious allergic reactions in the United States.”
“The symptoms and severity of allergic reactions to food can be different between individuals and can also be different for one person over time,” the CDC added. “Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that may cause death. Not all allergic reactions will develop into anaphylaxis and more than 40% (2 in 5) of children with food allergies in the United States have been treated in the emergency department.” The CDC stresses the importance of avoiding allergens, especially for vulnerable groups, due to potentially life-threatening reactions.
Affected product details
The recall involves specific lots of the Kirkland Signature Salted and Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter, sold in 1-pound packages containing four 4-ounce sticks. These products were distributed mainly in Texas, with “best by” dates ranging from February 22, 2025, to March 29, 2025. Here are the affected details for each product:
- Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter:
Total Weight: 46,800 pounds (1,300 cases)
Lot Numbers and Best By Dates:
Lot No. 2424091 – February 22, 2025
Lot No. 2424111 – February 23, 2025
Lot No. 2426891 – March 22, 2025
Lot No. 2426991 – March 23, 2025
- Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter:
Total Weight: 32,400 pounds (900 cases)
Lot Numbers and Best By Dates:
Lot No. 2424191 – February 23, 2025
Lot No. 2427591 – March 29, 2025
For consumers, identifying these lot numbers and best-by dates is important, as consuming products from these batches could pose risks for individuals with milk allergies.
What should consumers do?
Although no adverse reactions have been reported, the FDA advises those who purchased the affected butter to discard it or return it to Costco for a refund. For customers who may have consumed the product, seeking medical advice is recommended if symptoms of an allergic reaction develop.
