Kirkland Butter Recall: 80,000 Pounds Affected by Potential Listeria Contamination
Kirkland Signature Organic Salted Butter has been recalled due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall, issued by Costco Wholesale Corporation, affects 80,000 pounds of butter and includes specific production dates.
What is the potential risk?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious illness, including:
- Listeriosis: This is a potentially fatal infection that primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
- Symptoms: Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Which products are affected?
The recall specifically affects Kirkland Signature Organic Salted Butter with the following details:
- Product: Kirkland Signature Organic Salted Butter
- UPC Code: 00011911025434
- Production Dates: 09/08/2023 through 10/05/2023
- Lot Codes: L23311 through L23331
What should you do if you have affected butter?
Do not eat the recalled butter. If you have purchased Kirkland Signature Organic Salted Butter with the affected lot codes and production dates, you are advised to:
- Discard it immediately.
- Do not try to return it to Costco. The company has instructed customers not to return the product to stores.
How do I get a refund?
Costco Wholesale Corporation has issued a full refund for the affected product. You can contact Costco Customer Service at 1-800-774-2678 for more information and to obtain a refund.
What is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, and vegetation. It can contaminate food during processing, and it can survive in refrigerated temperatures.
How to prevent listeria contamination:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before consumption.
- Cook meat, poultry, and seafood thoroughly to kill bacteria.
- Store food promptly in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods.
- Clean and sanitize surfaces that come in contact with food.
Staying informed about food recalls is crucial for protecting your health.
By following the recommendations outlined above, you can help minimize the risk of listeria contamination and ensure the safety of your food. Remember to check for recalls regularly and discard affected products immediately.