Costco Butter Recall: 80,000 Pounds Affected
Costco shoppers, beware! A recent recall has been issued for a significant amount of butter sold at the popular warehouse club. 80,000 pounds of Kirkland Signature Organic Salted Butter have been pulled from shelves due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can lead to severe illness and even death. It's particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Details of the Recall
The affected butter was produced by Organic Valley and sold in 1-pound packages with a "Best By" date of 08/13/2024. The butter was distributed to Costco locations across the United States.
If you have purchased this butter, do not consume it! Instead, follow these steps:
- Dispose of the butter immediately. Do not attempt to return it to the store.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the butter or any surfaces it may have touched.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you have consumed the recalled butter and are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
Symptoms of listeriosis can vary but often include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming the recalled butter, seek medical attention immediately.
How to Avoid Future Recalls
While recalls are sometimes unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of being affected:
- Always check product labels for recalls and expiration dates.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw food, especially meat and poultry.
- Keep your kitchen clean and sanitized, especially after handling raw food.
- Cook food to the proper temperature to kill bacteria.
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
Stay Informed
It's important to stay informed about food recalls and other food safety information. You can find updates on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Be vigilant about food safety and protect yourself and your family from potentially harmful bacteria.