The FDA announced a recall for about 79,200 pounds of Costco butter. The reason: the product’s packaging failed to mention that it contains milk.
The recall covers 1,300 cases, or 46,800 pounds, of Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter and 900 cases, or 32,400 pounds, of the salted version. According to an FDA document, the butter lists the word “cream” but may have omitted the ever-so-important “contains milk” statement.
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The FDA classifies its recalls into three levels, with Class III for products least likely to cause health issues and Class I for products most likely to cause serious health consequences or death. The Kirkland butter situation falls under Class II, which means the product could cause temporary or reversible health consequences or has a remote likelihood of leading to serious complications.
While the issue may seem obvious, the labeling mishap violates the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. The law identifies milk as one of eight major foods or food groups that account for 90% of food allergies in the U.S. Therefore, according to the act, a product that includes one of these major allergens must feature a label that clearly identifies it.
When referring to the food source, the label must include the word “contains” and print it immediately after or next to the list of ingredients in a font size no smaller than the ingredients’ size. It must also use the “common or usual name” of the ingredient.
Texas manufacturer Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest produced the recalled butter and distributed it throughout the Lone Star State. The products’ “best by” dates run through February and March 2025.
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