Costco Issues Recall for Kirkland Signature Butter: What You Need to Know
Costco, the beloved warehouse club known for its bulk deals and Kirkland Signature brand, has issued a recall for its Kirkland Signature Salted Butter due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacteria can cause serious illness, particularly for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
What's the Issue?
The recall affects specific batches of Kirkland Signature Salted Butter, produced by Land O'Lakes and distributed in various states across the U.S. The contaminated butter was found during routine testing.
What Products Are Recalled?
The recall specifically targets:
- Kirkland Signature Salted Butter, 1 pound packages
- UPC Code: 076540004643
- "Best By" dates: 04/20/2024, 04/21/2024, and 04/22/2024
Important: If you have any of this butter in your refrigerator, do not consume it.
What to Do if You Have Recalled Butter
If you have purchased the recalled Kirkland Signature Salted Butter, return it to your nearest Costco store for a full refund – no receipt is necessary. Do not try to return it to Land O'Lakes directly.
Listeria Monocytogenes: The Health Risk
- Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection.
- Symptoms of listeriosis usually appear 1 to 4 weeks after eating contaminated food.
- Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming the recalled butter, seek medical attention immediately.
Stay Informed:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Costco are actively working to inform consumers about this recall.
- Check for updates on the FDA and Costco websites.
- Contact Costco customer service if you have questions or concerns.
Prevention is Key:
- Always practice proper food safety:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces that come in contact with food.
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
- Cook foods to safe internal temperatures.
This recall is a reminder that food safety is crucial. Stay informed and take precautions to protect yourself and your family.