Costco Butter Recall: Affected Products and Next Steps
Costco recently announced a recall of certain butter products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This potentially harmful bacterium can cause serious illness, especially in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
If you purchased any of the affected butter products, it's crucial to take immediate action. This article provides information on the recalled products, the potential health risks, and what you should do next.
What Products are Recalled?
The recall affects several Costco Kirkland Signature unsalted butter products. These include:
- Kirkland Signature Unsalted Butter (1 pound) with a "Best By" date between October 23, 2023, and November 08, 2023.
- Kirkland Signature Unsalted Butter (4-pack, 1 pound each) with a "Best By" date between October 23, 2023, and November 08, 2023.
Check the packaging of any Kirkland Signature unsalted butter products you have at home to see if they fall within the affected dates.
What are the Potential Health Risks?
Listeria monocytogenes 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
Symptoms of listeriosis typically appear 1 to 4 weeks after eating contaminated food, but can sometimes appear as late as 70 days later.
If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming the affected butter, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately.
What Should You Do If You Have Recalled Butter?
Do not eat the recalled butter. Even if it appears to be fine, it could be contaminated with Listeria. Discard any affected butter products immediately.
Costco is offering a full refund for the recalled butter. You can return the product to your local Costco store for a refund without a receipt.
Staying Informed About Food Recalls
It's important to stay informed about food recalls. You can do this by:
- Checking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website: The FDA website provides information on ongoing food recalls.
- Signing up for the FDA's email alerts: This service sends you email notifications about food recalls.
- Following food safety organizations on social media: Organizations like the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) often post about recalls on social media.
By staying vigilant about food recalls, you can protect yourself and your family from potential health risks.
Please note: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, please contact a medical professional.