Costco Butter Recalled: What You Need to Know
Costco shoppers, pay attention! Recently, a butter recall has been issued, affecting several Kirkland Signature unsalted butter products. This recall stems from a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
What Butter Products Are Affected?
The recall affects specific batches of Kirkland Signature unsalted butter, packaged in 1 pound (454g) and 2 pound (908g) tubs. The specific lot numbers involved in the recall can be found on the Costco website or by checking the product packaging. If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard any unsalted butter purchased from Costco.
Why Is Listeria a Concern?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can survive in refrigerated foods and can cause listeriosis, a serious infection. Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or severe illness in the newborn.
What Should You Do if You Have Affected Butter?
If you have any of the recalled unsalted butter, do not consume it. Instead, discard it immediately. You can also return it to your local Costco store for a full refund.
Costco's Response to the Recall
Costco is taking the recall seriously and is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the safety of its customers. They have issued a public statement regarding the recall, urging consumers to discard the affected butter.
Tips for Safe Food Handling
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of safe food handling practices to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are some tips:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards that come into contact with food.
- Cook meat and poultry to the proper internal temperature.
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
- Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods.
Staying Updated on Food Safety
It's important to stay informed about food safety recalls. You can sign up for email alerts from the FDA and other government agencies. You can also check the FDA website or the USDA website for information on current recalls.
By staying vigilant and following safe food handling practices, you can protect yourself and your family from foodborne illnesses. If you have any concerns or questions, contact your doctor or a food safety expert.