Costco Butter Recall: 80,000 lbs Recalled Due to Potential Listeria Contamination
Costco Wholesale Corporation has issued a voluntary recall for over 80,000 pounds of salted butter due to a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall, announced on [Date of recall announcement], affects Kirkland Signature Salted Butter, a popular product among Costco members.
What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
Details of the Recall
The recalled Kirkland Signature Salted Butter comes in 1-pound packages with a sell-by date of [Sell-by date] and a UPC code of [UPC code]. The butter was distributed to Costco locations in [List states where the product was distributed].
Consumers who have purchased the recalled butter are urged to immediately discard it or return it to their local Costco store for a full refund.
Why Was the Butter Recalled?
The recall was initiated after routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) revealed the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the butter.
What to Do If You Have Consumed the Recalled Butter
If you have consumed the recalled butter and are experiencing any symptoms of listeriosis, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to inform your doctor about the potential exposure to Listeria.
How to Protect Yourself from Listeria
While this recall highlights the importance of food safety, it's always a good idea to take precautions to prevent Listeria contamination in your kitchen:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.
- Cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the recommended internal temperatures.
- Keep raw meat and poultry separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly and store them at 40°F or below.
- Clean and disinfect cutting boards, countertops, and utensils after contact with raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
Staying Updated on Food Recalls
The FSIS maintains a website with current food recall announcements. You can also sign up for email alerts to be notified of new recalls.
Stay vigilant and always check for recall notices before consuming any food products.