Costco is recalling 80,000 pounds of butter because the “Contains milk” label is missing

Costco (COST+0.44%) recalled nearly 80,000 pounds of its private-label butter products last month because they lacked a legally required allergy declaration.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class II on November 7th. This designation is defined by the agency as a “situation in which use or contact with a violating product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects,” but “the likelihood of serious adverse health effects is low.”

Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, a dairy products manufacturer based in Litttlefield, Texas, initiated the recall in October because Kirkland Signature brand products “may lack the 'contains milk' statement,” according to the FDA.

Costco did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Quartz.

Here are the recalled products

• 1,300 cases/46,800 pounds Kirkland Signature Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter, net weight 16 oz (1 lb) 453 g, four 4 oz (113 g) sticks
• 900 cases / 32,400 pounds Kirkland Signature Salted Sweet Cream Butter, net weight 16 oz (1 lb) 453 g, four 4 oz (113 g) sticks

The affected products were distributed throughout the state of Texas and are marked with a best-before date between February 22, 2025 and March 29, 2025.

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act 2004 requires products made with any of the eight major food allergens to carry a label with the word “Contains” followed immediately after the product’s ingredients list, followed by a list of allergens.

The main food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. According to the FDA, these allergens are responsible for approximately 90% of food allergies.

Common symptoms Food allergy reactions include hives, red skin or rash, facial swelling, vomiting, abdominal cramps, coughing or wheezing, and difficulty breathing, according to the FDA.

This recall comes as Costco is already facing a separate recall ready meals due to possible Listeria contamination.