Costco recalls 80,000 pounds of butter for missing milk allergen label

Costco recently issued a recall for nearly 80,000 pounds of its Kirkland Signature butter due to missing allergen warnings for milk on the label. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall falls under “Class II,” meaning that consumption of the product could lead to “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” for those with milk allergies.

The recalled products include Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter and Salted Sweet Cream Butter, totaling 46,800 pounds and 32,400 pounds respectively. These were produced by Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest in Littlefield, Texas, and primarily distributed in Texas. While the ingredient list includes cream, the packaging lacks the required “Contains Milk” statement, which is crucial for consumers with dairy allergies.

Details of Affected Products

The recall impacts the following lots with “Best By” dates:

Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter  

   - Lot 2424091 - Best By Feb 22, 2025  

   - Lot 2424111 - Best By Feb 23, 2025  

   - Lot 2426891 - Best By Mar 22, 2025  

   - Lot 2426991 - Best By Mar 23, 2025  

Salted Sweet Cream Butter  

   - Lot 2424191 - Best By Feb 23, 2025  

   - Lot 2427591 - Best By Mar 29, 2025  

The recall has stirred a strong reaction on social media, where some have questioned the necessity of an allergen warning for a product widely understood to contain milk. A social media user remarked, “Costco had to recall 80,000 lbs of butter, bc the label didn’t mention there’s milk!!?? It’s BUTTER!” Despite the frustration, FDA regulations require companies to declare all allergens on product labels to protect consumers with specific food sensitivities.

While the recall primarily impacts Texas, this incident underscores the importance of allergen labeling even in the Philippines, where increased awareness and adherence to food safety guidelines help protect Filipino consumers. Local retailers and importers may look at this case as a reminder of the critical role that clear allergen labeling plays in food safety and consumer protection.