Costco has recalled nearly 80,000 pounds of its Kirkland Signature Sweet Cream Butter because its packaging failed to include a warning that the product contains milk, a known allergen.

The recall, which impacts both salted and unsalted varieties of the popular brand, was issued in October after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) flagged the labeling omission.

The recall stems from the absence of a “Contains Milk” allergen warning on the packaging, though cream is listed as an ingredient.

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While butter is a product made from churning milk, and thus widely known to contain dairy, the FDA requires an allergen statement due to milk’s status as a common allergen that can cause serious reactions in some individuals.

Social media users have reacted with a mix of amusement and frustration, with many commenting on the recall as an example of regulatory overreach. “80,000 pounds of Costco butter was just recalled, because the label doesn’t say that it contains milk. It’s butter,” one commenter noted dryly.

80,000 pounds of Costco butter was just recalled, because the label doesn’t say that it contains milk.

It’s butter.

News articles are telling people how they can return, or safely dispose of, the butter.

It’s butter.

— Spike Cohen (@RealSpikeCohen) November 11, 2024

Another joked, “Can y’all please safely dispose of it at my house? I have a lot of holiday baking to do.”

Can y’all please safely dispose of it at my house? I have a lot of holiday baking to do.

— cactus girl 🌵 (@cactusncookies) November 11, 2024

The recall also sparked discussions about food waste, with several users criticizing Costco’s approach to addressing the labeling error. “Rather than waste 80,000 pounds of butter, why don’t they print stickers that say ‘Contains Milk’ and save perfectly good food? So wasteful,” one user posted.

For those with milk allergies, the lack of an allergen warning is a serious concern, as exposure could lead to adverse reactions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), milk is one of the primary allergens responsible for severe reactions in the U.S. Although butter is naturally low in lactose, individuals allergic to milk may still react to its proteins.

The FDA’s recall notice did not indicate whether any illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported related to the product.

The online conversation surrounding the recall reflects skepticism from some consumers about what they see as excessive regulation.

One social media user commented, “Next they’ll recall beef that might contain cow.”

Next they’ll recall beef that might contain cow.

— VBC-Apologetics (@VbcApologetics) November 11, 2024

In response to the recall, the FDA advises consumers who purchased the affected Kirkland Signature butter to return it to Costco for a refund or dispose of it according to FDA guidelines.

The recall notice provides instructions for returning the product or safely disposing of it, though the general reaction from consumers suggests many view the labeling oversight as trivial.

The incident has highlighted the clash between regulatory requirements aimed at protecting consumers and public perceptions around food labeling.

While the FDA requires allergen labels to ensure the safety of those with food allergies, consumers are raising questions about common-sense labeling for widely understood products.

As the holiday season approaches, some users are lamenting the recall as an unfortunate loss of a kitchen staple.

Despite the mixed reactions online, the FDA and Costco continue to emphasize the importance of adherence to allergen labeling requirements to prevent any risk to consumers with severe allergies.