The Biggest Food Recalls In Costco History

Canned S&W organic black beans From E. coli outbreaks to oddly colored crepes,   these are some of the most memorable food  recalls that Costco customers can't forget. Botulism, a rare but severe illness caused by  a toxin produced by bacteria that affects the   nervous system, poses a risk with low-acid  canned foods such as beets, corn, potatoes,   and beans. Proper canning and sealing are crucial  to preventing this toxin's growth. In 2021,   concerns about potential sealing issues at  Faribault Foods, Inc. led to an immediate recall. The extensive recall affected several bean  varieties, including three types of beans,   two kinds of organic black beans, and  one chili bean product sold at Costco   and other major retailers from February  to April that year. Customers were urged   to return any cans from the affected  batches for a full refund or replacement,   ensuring they could still enjoy  their favorite recipes without risk. Ellenos vanilla bean Greek yogurt Allergen disclosure on food labels is crucial  for protecting those with food allergies,   as exposure to ingredients like dairy, peanuts,   or shellfish can lead to severe reactions,  including life-threatening ones. Unfortunately,   a serious labeling oversight occurred  with a popular Costco product in 2023. Ellenos vanilla bean Greek yogurt,  sold in 4-ounce, 12-pack containers,   was recalled in May after customers  discovered the yogurt inside was yellow,   not white as expected. The issue? A  packaging error had mistakenly placed   lemon curd yogurt—containing eggs—into vanilla  bean-labeled cups. Since eggs were not listed as   an ingredient on the vanilla labels, this posed  a significant risk to those with egg allergies. Fortunately, no reported injuries resulted  from the mix-up. Swift action by Ellenos,   the Food and Drug Administration,  and Costco prevented potential harm,   ensuring that consumers were alerted and the  affected product was quickly pulled from shelves. Kirkland Signature organic strawberries In March 2023, many Costco customers had to put  their morning smoothies on hold when Kirkland’s   4-pound bags of organic strawberries were  pulled from shelves due to a nationwide   hepatitis A outbreak. The recall was  prompted after nine people fell ill,   raising concerns about the spread of this  contagious liver disease. Though the recall on   Kirkland’s berries has since been lifted, other  frozen fruit products remain under scrutiny. Kirkland Signature American vodka Despite alcohol’s natural resistance to  bacterial contamination, a surprising   recall occurred in 2023 when Costco removed its  Signature American Vodka from shelves. Customers   reported an unpleasant taste and odor from the  bottles. Additionally, many noticed issues with   the handles. Costco’s regional office later  clarified the situation, providing a list   of affected batch numbers and explaining  the cause of the unusual taste and smell. "It has hints of rum due to a container not being   completely clean before it was  used for vodka during transport." The employee confirmed that while  the recall poses no health risks,   the vodka’s taste was compromised. Feedback  indicated that cross-contamination rendered   the vodka nearly undrinkable, prompting  many customers to return to the warehouse   for a replacement before their next happy hour. Pescanova shrimp street tacos Who doesn’t enjoy a shrimp taco? The blend  of seafood with Southwestern flavors is so   popular that Pescanova turned it into a  convenient frozen taco pack, available   at Costco. But if you picked up their shrimp  street taco mix between March and April 2023,   you might have been disappointed to find yourself  returning it instead of enjoying a tasty meal. The recall was issued after  reports surfaced of plastic pieces,   up to 5 millimeters long, being found in the bags. Torn Ranch organic dark chocolate blueberries Tree nut allergies impact about 0.5 to 1%  of Americans, as reported by the American   Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.  While this percentage may seem small,   allergies to nuts such as almonds,  cashews, and walnuts are among the most   common and can cause severe, potentially  life-threatening reactions. This makes   the 2021 recall of Torn Ranch organic  dark chocolate blueberries particularly   significant. Although these blueberries  were not intended to contain tree nuts,   their presence in the product made the recall  critical for protecting those with nut allergies. "Sometimes you feel like a  nut, sometimes you don't." The unexpected discovery of almonds in Torn  Ranch organic dark chocolate blueberries led   to a swift recall of the product. Sold in  18-ounce bags at Costco, these blueberries   were not supposed to contain nuts. For those  with tree nut allergies, even a small amount   could be dangerous. Fortunately, the recall was  limited to warehouse locations in Washington,   Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. The rapid actions of  Torn Ranch and Costco helped prevent potential   allergic reactions, safeguarding  consumers from serious health risks. Kirkland Signature beef patties Ideally, contaminated foods are identified and  removed from shelves before they cause harm,   but this isn't always the case. In 1998, a woman  in New York became infected with E. coli and was   hospitalized after eating Kirkland beef burgers  at a family cookout. This incident led Costco to   initiate a massive recall, pulling 172,000 pounds  of frozen beef from stores across 24 states. In response, representatives from Costco, the  U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National   Meat Association emphasized that E. coli can be  eliminated if the meat is properly cooked. For   ground beef, the recommended internal temperature  is 160 degrees Fahrenheit. As a precaution,   always use a meat thermometer to ensure your  burgers are safely cooked before eating. Costco rotisserie chicken salad In 2015, an E. coli outbreak affected  19 people across seven states, traced   back to Costco’s rotisserie chicken  salads. The source was identified as   contaminated celery and diced onions  supplied by Taylor Farms. In response,   154,000 packs of the Pacific celery  and onion blend were recalled. The issue extended beyond Costco,  impacting numerous retailers. Taylor   Farms also supplied vegetables to major chains  like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Starbucks, and Target,   necessitating widespread product recalls  from these stores as well. While the recall   caused significant disruption, it was a necessary  precaution due to E. coli’s serious health risks,   particularly for vulnerable populations  such as children and the elderly. Kirkland shelled walnuts Even foods with a long shelf life can sometimes  spoil unexpectedly, as many discovered in 2022   with Kirkland Signature shelled walnuts. These  3-pound bags of halved nuts are a favorite among   bakers and snackers, usually offering a tasty  and healthy treat. However, those who bought   them in September and October of that year were  met with disappointment. Upon opening the bags,   they found the walnuts had gone bad. An  official recall notice confirmed the issue,   leaving customers with a less-than-appetizing  surprise instead of the expected crunchy goodness. "We are recalling the Kirkland Signature shelled  walnuts due to the stale taste and rancid smell." Though not dangerous, serving a batch of spoiled  candied walnuts at a family dinner is far from   ideal. Bakers, too, could face problems if they  accidentally use rancid nuts in their creations,   potentially harming their reputation  or business. Recognizing the impact,   Costco responded by offering a full refund,   ensuring customers aren't left with a bad  taste in their mouths—or in their baked goods. Kirkland Signature chocolate crêpes Food recalls often arise from safety or health  issues, but some are surprisingly odd. Take,   for example, the March 2023 recall of Kirkland  Signature chocolate crêpes. These popular treats,   covered in layers of chocolate, caused a stir  when a recall notice appeared in shoppers'   inboxes. The initial concern quickly shifted  to confusion as the reason for the recall   was disclosed. According to the Important  Product Information on Costco's website,   the recall was prompted by a rather unusual  issue, leaving many consumers puzzled. "It has come to our attention that some crepes may   be discolored. This is not a  health or food safety issue." Customers largely shrugged off the  recall, noting that the crêpes often   changed color over time anyway. Some  even found humor in the situation,   seeing the recall as somewhat  trivial. Regardless of its necessity,   it was reassuring for those unsettled by the  discolored crêpes to have the option for a refund. "Crepe, crepe, crepe…" "Go." "Crepe crepe crepe…I'll be, I'll be right back!" "Mm hmm." "Crepe, crepe!” Foster Farms breaded chicken patties Foster Farms, celebrated for its free-range  chickens and turkeys, offers frozen poultry   products nationwide, including at Costco. Among  these is a 5-pound resealable bag of chicken   breast patties with rib meat, found in the freezer  aisle. Ideal for quick weeknight meals, this bulk   bag of 20 flavorful patties has become a go-to  for many chicken-loving families across America. "This chicken is delicious." "Oh thank you." In 2022, a recall was issued for Foster Farms  chicken patties after it was discovered that hard,   sharp plastic shards might have been mixed into  the product. The recall was classified as Class I,   indicating a significant risk of injury or  worse if a shard was ingested. Fortunately,   the recall was promptly and effectively handled,   with customers receiving refunds.  Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Kirkland Signature Colombian cold brew "You know, this is — excuse me  — a damn fine cup of coffee." Costco's Kirkland brand ventured into  the ready-to-drink coffee market with   its Colombian cold brew, sold in a convenient  12-pack of 11-ounce aluminum cans. Perfect   for a quick energy boost, these cans  are a hit in Costco stores, on Amazon,   and at other retailers like Target and Walmart. However, a recent safety concern led to a  recall of this popular product. A total of   2.7 million cans, sold between November 5,  2022, and February 10, 2023, were recalled   due to the possibility of a metal bolt being  inside. Though the likelihood was low, with   only three cans suspected of containing bolts,  the potential risk was enough to warrant action. Costco reassured customers that the chances  of ingesting the foreign object were slim.   You’d likely hear the bolt clanging  inside or feel it before swallowing,   but it’s still a reminder to be  cautious when enjoying your cold brew.