Tejal SomvanshiIn a recent development that sparked both concern and online discussion, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC initiated a voluntary recall of Kirkland Signature butter products in October 2023. The recall affects nearly 80,000 pounds of butter, with distribution of approximately 2,100 cases occurring in Texas, raising questions about allergen labeling practices and consumer safety.
The Recall Details
The FDA classified this as a Class II recall on November 7, 2023, involving two specific Kirkland Signature products:
- 46,800 pounds (1,300 cases) of Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter
- 32,400 pounds (900 cases) of Salted Sweet Cream Butter
The reason? These products list cream as an ingredient but may not display the required “Contains Milk” allergen statement on the packaging.
Product Identification Guide
For consumers checking their refrigerators, here are the specific details:
Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (UPC 96619-38496):
- Lot No. 2424091: Best By Feb. 22, 2025
- Lot No. 2424111: Best By Feb. 23, 2025
- Lot No. 2426891: Best By Mar. 22, 2025
- Lot No. 2426991: Best By Mar. 23, 2025
Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter (UPC 96619-38488):
- Lot #2424191: Best By Feb. 23, 2025
- Lot #2427591: Best By Mar. 29, 2025
Health Implications and Consumer Safety
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports milk as one of the primary allergens causing serious reactions in the United States. “The symptoms and severity of allergic reactions to food can be different between individuals and can also be different for one person over time,” the CDC states. “Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that may cause death. Not all allergic reactions will develop into anaphylaxis and more than 40% (2 in 5) of children with food allergies in the United States have been treated in the emergency department.”
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Consumer Response and Social Media Reaction
The recall has generated mixed reactions online. Some consumers found humor in the situation, with one X user writing, “80,000 pounds of Costco butter was just recalled, because the label doesn’t say that it contains milk. It’s butter.”
However, others emphasized the importance of proper allergen labeling. A Reddit user shared, “Seems a little silly but, as someone with food allergies, I take comfort in the thoroughness of our food safety systems.” Another added, “I’d rather have labels I can trust, regardless of how silly this example appears to be on the surface. I like my food unadulterated, thanks.”
What Consumers Should Do
If you’ve purchased these products and have a milk allergy or sensitivity:
- Check your butter’s lot numbers against the recall list
- Return affected products to Costco for a refund
- Or dispose of the products safely
Industry Context
Costco generally has a roughly 4,000-item selection, including Kirkland Signature products and items from other brands, at its 891 warehouse locations. According to Costco’s annual report, these private-label products “are offered at prices that are generally lower than national brands, and help lower costs, differentiate our merchandise offerings, and generally earn higher margins.”
The FDA requires clear labeling of nine major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. This recall reinforces the importance of these labeling requirements, even for products where the allergen might seem obvious to many consumers.
