Costco recently issued a recall for nearly 80,000 pounds of its Kirkland Signature butter products due to a missing allergy label indicating the presence of milk. While it might seem obvious that butter contains milk, labeling laws require manufacturers to clearly state allergens on the packaging to protect consumers with severe allergies. This oversight resulted in the recall, classified as a Class II by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means there is a low but present risk for temporary or reversible health reactions.
If you’re a Costco shopper who stocks up on Kirkland butter, here’s what you need to know about the recall, why the labeling matters, and how to identify if your butter is part of the affected batch.
The Reason Behind the Recall: Missing Milk Allergen Label
The recall was initiated in October by Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, based in Littlefield, Texas, which produces butter for Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand. According to the FDA, the butter in question “may be missing the Contains Milk statement,” which is a legally required label under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) of 2004.
Under FALCPA, products containing any of the eight major food allergens—milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans—must list those allergens in a clear “Contains” statement immediately following the ingredients list. These eight allergens are responsible for about 90% of food allergy reactions in the U.S., so accurate labeling is crucial for consumer safety.
While many may assume everyone knows that butter contains milk, not having the proper label could lead to confusion, especially for shoppers who may be buying the product for someone else who has dietary restrictions or severe allergies.
Affected Products: How to Check Your Kirkland Butter
The recall affects two specific types of Kirkland Signature butter, distributed primarily in Texas. Here’s how to identify if your butter is part of the recalled batch:
Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter
- Package Size: 16 oz (1 lb), four 4 oz (113g) sticks
- Affected Cases: 1,300 cases (46,800 pounds)
- Best By Dates: Between February 22, 2025, and March 29, 2025
Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter
- Package Size: 16 oz (1 lb), four 4 oz (113g) sticks
- Affected Cases: 900 cases (32,400 pounds)
- Best By Dates: Between February 22, 2025, and March 29, 2025
If you’ve purchased Kirkland butter recently, check the packaging for the best-by dates to see if yours falls within the affected range. If your butter is part of this batch, you can return it to Costco for a refund.
Why Food Allergen Labeling Is Important
For most people, milk as an ingredient in butter isn’t a surprising concept, but food allergies are serious and often life-threatening. For those with a milk allergy, even trace amounts can cause allergic reactions that range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of a milk allergy include hives, skin rash, facial swelling, abdominal pain, vomiting, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.
The FALCPA law was put in place to prevent accidental exposure to allergens, requiring clear labeling to alert consumers. Even if you’re aware of the ingredients in a product, the allergen label provides that extra layer of reassurance, especially for those buying products for others, like family members with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
FDA’s Classification and Potential Health Risks
The FDA classified this recall as Class II, indicating a low but possible risk of temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects. In this case, the FDA notes that the probability of serious health consequences is remote, yet any exposure to allergens can be dangerous for those who are highly sensitive.
Costco has handled the recall by pulling the affected butter off shelves, but it’s still essential for customers to double-check their purchases. Even a minor labeling oversight can lead to unexpected medical emergencies for those with allergies.
Additional Recall: Ready-Made Meal Kits at Costco
This butter recall isn’t Costco’s only product recall this season. The company is also recalling certain ready-made meal kits due to possible listeria contamination. Listeria is a serious bacteria that can cause severe foodborne illness, especially in vulnerable groups like young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
While these recalls are unrelated, they highlight the importance of staying informed about recent recalls, especially for frequently purchased items.
What to Do if You Purchased Recalled Butter
If you bought one of the affected Kirkland Signature butter products, the first step is to check the best-by date on the package to see if it falls within the affected range (February 22, 2025, to March 29, 2025). If your product matches, Costco advises returning it to the store for a full refund.
For those with milk allergies or who have family members with dietary restrictions, be mindful of using or serving butter that may lack proper allergen labeling. And for anyone who regularly shops at Costco, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on product recall notices.
Why This Matters to Consumers
While it might seem like a minor issue, especially for a product as straightforward as butter, the missing milk allergen label serves as a reminder of how important accurate labeling is to consumer safety. For people with severe allergies, clear labeling is essential to prevent dangerous reactions. And for retailers like Costco, adhering to these standards is part of ensuring customer trust and safety.
If you or someone you know has a food allergy, checking labels is a crucial part of grocery shopping. Even trusted brands and staple products aren’t immune to manufacturing errors or oversights, which is why staying aware of recalls is key. When it comes to food safety, it’s better to be cautious, even with products you think you know well.
Final Thoughts
Costco’s recent butter recall may seem surprising, but it underscores the importance of allergy labeling for all products, even those with seemingly obvious ingredients. If you’re a regular Costco shopper, double-check your Kirkland butter purchases, especially if they’re from Texas and match the listed best-by dates. And if they’re part of the affected batch, take advantage of Costco’s refund policy to ensure you’re safe and fully informed.
For anyone with food allergies or dietary restrictions, remember that recalls like these are fairly common, and there’s no harm in staying vigilant. By being aware of what’s in your kitchen and following up on recalls, you can help ensure that your meals are safe and enjoyable.
