**Costco Butter Recall: 80,000 Lbs Affected**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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Costco Butter Recall: 80,000 lbs Affected by Potential Listeria Contamination

Costco Wholesale Corporation has issued a voluntary recall for over 80,000 pounds of unsalted butter due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects Kirkland Signature Unsalted Butter, sold in 1-pound packages and packaged in a rectangular, white tub with a UPC code of 0070182000010.

Why the Recall?

The recall was initiated after routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) detected Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the butter. This bacteria can cause serious, even life-threatening, illnesses in vulnerable individuals.

Who is Affected?

While Listeria can affect anyone, it poses a greater risk to:

• Pregnant women: Listeria can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature births.
• Newborns and infants: Listeria can cause severe illness or death in infants.
• Older adults: Older adults have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infection.
• People with weakened immune systems: Individuals with compromised immune systems due to medical conditions or medications are at higher risk.

Symptoms of Listeria Infection

Symptoms of Listeria infection can develop between 2 and 30 days after consuming contaminated food. The most common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Diarrhea

What to Do if You Have Purchased the Recalled Butter

If you have purchased the recalled butter, do not eat it. Instead, discard it immediately.

Contact Costco if you have any questions or concerns about the recall. They can be reached at 1-800-775-2678.

Do not attempt to return the butter to the store.

What is Listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium found in soil, water, and animals. It can contaminate food during processing or handling. Listeria can survive in refrigeration temperatures, making it a concern in dairy products.

How to Prevent Listeria Infection

The best way to prevent Listeria infection is to practice good food safety:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, especially cutting boards and utensils.
• Cook food thoroughly to kill any bacteria.
• Store food properly in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products, such as soft cheeses and raw milk.

Staying Updated on Food Recalls

It's important to stay informed about food recalls. You can subscribe to email alerts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the FSIS to receive updates about food safety issues.

This recall highlights the importance of food safety and vigilance. By following the recommendations above, you can minimize the risk of Listeria infection and keep yourself and your family safe.