Major Butter Recall Escalates to Class II FDA Alert – Here’s the Lot Code to Check Immediately

On the 30^th of July, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reclassified the butter recall to a Class II recall. This has been the agency’s second-highest level of alert. As per the FDA standards, a Class II recall applies to situations where the use of a product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems or where the risk of serious long‐term health consequences is low, but not zero.

Bunge’s European Style Butter Blend 1 lb. product was recalled earlier in July. The reason for this was because it was discovered that a major food allergen (milk) was found in the product but not written in the label.

Nearly 65,000 Pounds of Butter Affected

Bunge North America is based in Chesterfield, Missouri. The company initially sent out a voluntary recall the 14^th of July. In total approximately 64,800 pounds of butter was affected, or roughly 1,800 cases of the product.

This product was packed in white paperboard boxes where one case contained 36 one‐pound blocks. It was thereafter sent to places all over the United States and this included a total of twelve domestic distribution centres  as well as one international distribution hub in the Dominican Republic.

The items that were recalled were marked with the lot code lot code 5064036503. Consumers and resellers are urged to check their products so that they avoid using the product with this lot code.

Undeclared Milk Behind the Recall

The reason for the upgrade is linked to an undeclared allergen. Milk is one of the nine major food allergens recognized by the FDA and is subject to strict labelling laws. It is important that food products have the allergens legally declared on the product, if this is not the case, consumers who are allergic to certain things, may be at risk.

Even though the FDA has not reported any illnesses or injuries resulting from this, officials note that consuming any allergens unintentionally can be dangerous for individuals with a known allergy.

Health Risks of Undeclared Allergens

It is important to note that food allergies can cause various different symptoms. Each person may react differently ranging from mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, coughing, or itching. However, others may experience more serious effects such anaphylaxis and this is a life‐threatening condition where the immune system floods the body with chemicals and this sends a person into shock.

Anaphylaxis can cause the airways to shut, decrease blood pressure quickly and can even lead to death. Mayo Clinic suggests immediate treatment if this ever happens (EpiPen) and seek medical care immediately.

The FDA is requesting any person who has purchased this recaller butter to not consume it. Should someone eat it unknowingly and present with allergy symptoms, then that person should use emergency medication or seek medical attention immediately.

All those customers who are not sure whether the butter is part of the recall in question, should check the product name or lot code, or seek clarification. All stores who keep this product have also been notified to removed the affected product from the shelves.

Ongoing Allergen Enforcement

According to the U.S. law, all packaged food products must be labelled accordingly. It is also important to list all common allergens on the labels of food products. Other major allergens that must be declared on ingredient lists include eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

The FDA says it will continue to monitor the recall and work with the company to ensure the safety of all consumers. There currently isn’t any indication on when the product will return to the shelves.