Costco Recalls 80,000 Pounds of Butter Over Listeria Concerns

What Happened?

Costco Wholesale Corporation has recalled approximately 80,000 pounds of unsalted butter due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The recalled butter was sold in 2-pound packages with the lot code "2245032" and a best-by date of March 2, 2023. The butter was distributed to Costco stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

What is Listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and pregnant women. Symptoms of a Listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, Listeria can cause meningitis or bloodstream infections.

What Should Consumers Do?

Consumers who have purchased the recalled butter should not consume it. The butter should be discarded or returned to the store for a full refund.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Costco Customer Service at 1-800-774-2678.

Costco's Response

Costco has removed the recalled butter from its shelves and is cooperating with the FDA's investigation. The company is also contacting customers who have purchased the recalled butter to notify them of the recall.

Costco is committed to the safety of its customers and takes food safety very seriously. The company has a number of food safety programs in place to help prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.

Additional Information

For more information about Listeria monocytogenes, please visit the FDA's website: https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborneillnesscontaminants/listeria