A health alert has been issued by the FDA after thousands of pounds of popular butter sold across the US were found to contain coliform bacteria, a group of organisms that can indicate the presence of more serious disease-causing bacteria like E coli and salmonella. Cabot Creamery, a Vermont-based dairy company, has voluntarily recalled 1,700 pounds of its Extra Creamy Sea Salted Butter Sticks due to elevated levels of coliform.
Coliform is typically associated with hygiene issues and can increase the risk of contamination from other pathogens. The FDA designated this recall as a Class III situation, indicating that while use of or exposure to the violative product may pose some risk, it is unlikely to cause serious health consequences.
To date, no illnesses have been reported among consumers who purchased the recalled butter. However, the recall was initiated in March due to testing findings and affects products sold in several states, including Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Arkansas. The affected butter has a ‘best by’ date of September 9, 2025, and can be identified by its lot number (090925-055) or UPC (0 78354 62038 0).
It’s essential to note that coliform bacteria are commonly found in human and animal waste, soil, water, undercooked meat, raw milk, and unsanitary produce. The presence of these bacteria can serve as an indicator for the potential presence of other disease-causing organisms like E coli and salmonella.
While the recall is ongoing, consumers should be aware that E coli infection can cause stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting, with approximately 95,000 Americans affected annually. Young children and elderly adults are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes from E coli infections.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14587819/fda-alert-butter-recall-dangerous-bacteria.html