Costco Butter Recall: 80,000 Pounds Affected - What You Need to Know
Costco Wholesale Corporation recently issued a voluntary recall for approximately 80,000 pounds of unsalted butter due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This dangerous bacteria can cause serious illness, especially in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
What Butter is Recalled?
The recall affects Kirkland Signature Unsalted Butter, packaged in 1-pound tubs with a "Best By" date of July 11, 2024, and a UPC code of 00011110189009.
Why the Recall?
The recall was initiated after routine sampling revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the butter. This bacteria can survive in cold temperatures, which makes butter a potential risk if not handled and stored correctly.
What are the Risks?
Listeria monocytogenes can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Symptoms of listeriosis typically appear 1 to 4 weeks after consuming contaminated food and may include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
What Should You Do?
If you have purchased Kirkland Signature Unsalted Butter with the specified "Best By" date and UPC code, do not consume it. Instead:
- Return the butter to Costco for a full refund.
- Discard the butter immediately and thoroughly wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces that may have come into contact with it.
What About Other Costco Products?
As of now, this recall only affects Kirkland Signature Unsalted Butter. However, Costco is working closely with its suppliers to ensure the safety of all its products.
Stay Updated
To stay informed about any updates or changes to this recall, visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website or the Costco website.
Food Safety Tips
To minimize the risk of foodborne illness, always follow these food safety tips:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces that come into contact with food.
- Cook food to the proper temperature.
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.
Remember: Your health is a priority. If you experience any symptoms of listeriosis, seek medical attention immediately.