Costco butter recall: 80,000 pounds of Kirkland Signature sticks may pose an allergy risk due to label error, FDA says

Nearly 80,000 pounds of Kirkland Signature butter, available at Costco, are being recalled after a critical allergy statement was left off the packaging, sparking fears that people with allergens may consume the product. Here’s what you need to know about the recall and what dangers the products present to certain individuals.

What is being recalled?

Two main products are being recalled, each with different lots involved. The first product being recalled is the Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter, Net Wt 16 oz (1 lb) 453g, Four 4 oz (113g) sticks with the UPC 96619-38496.

In total, 46,800 pounds of product are being recalled across 1,300 cases, according to documents from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The lots covered under this recalled product include the following:

• 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

The second recalled product is Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter, Net Wt 16 oz (1 lb) 453g, Four 4 oz (113g) sticks with the UPC 96619-38488. There are 32,400 pounds of product across 900 cases being recalled. The lots included in this recall are:

• Lot # 2424191 Best By Feb 23, 2025 
• Lot # 2427591 Best By Mar 29, 2025

Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label. According to the FDA, the recalling firm is Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, based in Littlefield, Texas. Food & Wine has posted images of the recalled products here.

Why is the butter being recalled?

The good news is that the butter is not being recalled due to any contamination, such as Listeria or Salmonella. Instead, the butter is being recalled due to a labeling error. According to FDA documents, the packages of both products list that the product contains cream “but may be missing the Contains Milk statement.”

The recall was initiated on October 11, 2024, but did not gain much attention until November 7, 2024 when the FDA gave the recall a Class II classification. According to the FDA’s in

What is a Class II recall?

The FDA assigns three types of classifications to recalls. The least serious is Class III, which is when exposure to a recalled product is unlikely to cause adverse health conditions. The most serious is Class I, which is when exposure to a product is likely to “cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

This butter recall falls into the in-between Class II category. The FDA says the use of or exposure to a Class II recalled product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

Why is the mislabeled butter dangerous?

For many people who do not have any allergies to milk, the recalled butter shouldn’t be dangerous at all. However, if you do have a milk allergy and consume a product containing milk, your health could be at risk.

Milk allergies are one of the major food allergens, and consumption of milk or milk-based products can lead to serious symptoms or even anaphylaxis. This life-threatening allergic reaction can result in death.

What are the symptoms of food-related allergic reactions?

According to the FDA, symptoms of food allergies include:

• Hives
• Flushed skin or rash
• Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth
• Face, tongue, or lip swelling
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Coughing or wheezing
• Dizziness and/or lightheadedness
• Swelling of the throat and vocal cords
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

Don’t people know butter contains milk?

A common hot take on social media about this recall is that everyone should know butter contains milk.

But the reality is that some people who have milk allergies and who are used to dairy product labeling saying “Contains Milk” may see packaging without that warning and assume it is a non-milk dairy butter product. Kids may especially assume this.

Where was the butter distributed?

FDA documents list the “distribution pattern” as being in the state of Texas.

What do I do if I have the recalled butter?

The FDA has not provided specific guidance on this recall. However, the agency has general advice for food recalls, which states that the recalled product should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase. The agency warns not to give recalled products to pets or food banks.

What has Costco said about this recall?

According to the enforcement report, no press release was published in connection with this recall. We’ve reached out to Costco for comment.