‘It’s butter’: Almost 40,000 kilograms of butter forced to recall over ‘dumbest’ reason

In a world where we're often reminded to read the fine print, even the most obvious details can't be taken for granted.

In a move that has left many shaking their heads in disbelief, Costco has had to recall a staggering 40,000 kilograms of butter, but the reason might just spread your patience thin.



The recall, which has churned up quite the conversation on social media, was initiated because the product labels failed to mention that the butter contains milk.

Yes, you read that correctly. The creamy kitchen essential, made by churning milk or cream, was pulled from shelves because it didn't explicitly state the presence of milk as an allergen.


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Costco recalled over 40,000 kilograms of butter over this 'ridiculous' reason. Credit: Unsplash


The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the recall for the Kirkland Signature brand, including both salted and unsalted varieties of Sweet Cream Butter.

While the packaging did list cream among the ingredients, it lacked the specific allergy warning that the product 'Contains Milk’.

This oversight has led to a spread of reactions online, ranging from disbelief to humour.

Many people have taken to the internet to express their bemusement, with comments like, 'It's butter,' highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

Others have taken a more light-hearted approach, with one user quipping, 'Can y'all please safely dispose of it at my house? I have a lot of holiday baking to do.'

‘Next, they’ll recall beef that might contain cow,’ another said.

‘If you need the government to tell you that butter is a dairy product, then…well, I can’t help you, [...] I loathe the state,’ one user quipped.



The situation becomes even more ludicrous when considering the potential alternatives to such a wasteful recall.

‘Rather than waste (40,000kg) of butter, why don’t they print stickers that say “Contains Milk” and save perfectly good food? So wasteful,’ one person suggested.

Despite the humorous undertones, the recall does have a serious side.

The US Centres for Disease Control noted that milk is one of the main foods that ‘account for most serious allergic reactions in the United States’.

For individuals with milk allergies, consuming products containing milk can lead to severe health consequences.

However, the FDA has not reported any illnesses or adverse reactions associated with the butter in question.



In a previous story, a toy company faced backlash due to a packaging error where the website of an adult entertainment site was printed on boxes of children’s toys instead of the film’s official website.

Social media users widely pointed out the error, which has generated shock, given that the product was intended for children. You can read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways

  • Costco was forced to recall nearly 40,000kg of Kirkland Signature butter because the labelling failed to mention that the product contained milk.
  • The recall was prompted by the absence of an allergy warning for milk on the butter's packaging, despite it listing cream as an ingredient.
  • Social media users ridiculed the recall, with many making sarcastic comments about the obviousness that butter contains milk.
  • The recall was criticised as wasteful, with suggestions that 'Contains Milk' stickers could have been a solution to avoid discarding the butter.
Have you ever encountered a recall that seemed a bit over the top? Do you think there's a better way to handle such situations without resorting to waste? Let us know in the comments below!
 
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Please save us from the morons that do not understand about milk being in butter.. I am Lactose intolerant and prefer to go without almost all forms of dairy, except I do have lactose free milk.. I remember that once I told a new friend I couldn't have dairy and her reply was why are you having mayo then..In between laughs I had to explain that mayo is made from oil and egg not dairy.. I couldn't get it past my poor brain that this woman was in her 60s and had not idea..Poor darling !!!:LOL::LOL:
 
That is ridiculous everyone knows butter is made from milk alternative margarine
 

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