Costco Butter Recall: 80,000 Pounds Affected
Costco Wholesale Corporation has issued a voluntary recall of over 80,000 pounds of Kirkland Signature unsalted butter due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall is a serious matter, as Listeria is a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.
What is the Recall About?
The affected butter was produced by Land O'Lakes and distributed to Costco stores nationwide. It was packaged in 1-pound tubs and sold under the Kirkland Signature brand. The recall specifically affects butter with the "use by" dates of August 15, 2023, and August 16, 2023.
Why Was the Butter Recalled?
The recall was initiated after routine testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the butter. This bacterium can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can lead to:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women
Individuals who are pregnant, elderly, or have weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from listeriosis.
What Should You Do if You Have Affected Butter?
If you have purchased Kirkland Signature unsalted butter with the affected "use by" dates, do not consume it. Instead, discard it immediately.
You can also return the butter to your local Costco store for a full refund.
Contact Information:
For more information about this recall, you can:
- Visit the official Costco website.
- Call the Costco customer service hotline.
- Contact the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any concerns or questions.
Importance of Food Safety
This recall highlights the crucial importance of food safety practices. Always check the "use by" dates on food products and dispose of any expired or recalled items.
Furthermore, proper food handling is vital to prevent foodborne illnesses. This includes:
- Washing hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
- Cooking meat and poultry to the proper temperature.
- Refrigerating perishable foods promptly.
- Separating raw meat and poultry from other foods.
By following these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness and ensure the safety of your family.