Texas Butter Recall Update as FDA Determines Risk Level

Nearly 80,000 pounds of butter are being recalled due to possible lack of allergy information on packaging, an incident that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified as the second-highest level of risk.

Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC voluntarily initiated a recall on Oct. 11 of two butter products: Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter and Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter, both 16-ounce packages containing four sticks of butter.

On Thursday, November 7, the FDA classified this recall as a Class II, which means: “a situation in which the use of or contact with an infringing product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, or in which there is a likelihood of serious adverse health effects.” “Remote control.”

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The butter was distributed and sold in Texas, where Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest is based.

Both products list cream as an ingredient on the packaging, but the allergen warning “Contains milk” may be missing.

This recall applies to 46,800 pounds of unsalted butter and 32,400 pounds of salted butter with a best-by date between February 22, 2025 and March 23, 2025.

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Newsweek contacted Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest LLC for comment via an online email form.

Milk is one of the eight main allergens. It is particularly common in children and usually occurs shortly after consuming milk.

Symptoms can be mild or severe and include digestive problems, itching around the mouth, vomiting, wheezing, hives, swelling of the lips or throat, a runny nose, or watery eyes.

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In some cases, a milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction involving narrowing of the airways, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

In the event of anaphylaxis, it is important to give an injection of adrenaline, for example with an Epi-Pen, and go to the emergency room.

Other people who are not allergic to milk may still have an intolerance. In this case, a nonimmune reaction after consuming foods containing dairy can cause digestive problems such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea.

Although consuming the recalled butter has serious potential consequences for someone with a milk allergy, the FDA's classification means that “the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is low,” presumably because butter is known to contain milk.

Other recent recalls include ice cream, which can cause allergic reactions, cinnamon, which may contain lead, and soft cheese, which may be contaminated with listeria.

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