Recalled Food from Costco: What You Need to Know

As a result of various health and safety concerns, several food products sold at Costco have been recalled in recent months. These recalls can affect the health and well-being of consumers, so it is essential to be aware of the recalled products and take steps to avoid them.

Affected Products

The following food products sold at Costco have been recalled:

1. Kabobate Brand Beef and Vegetable Kabobs: Due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, these kabobs were recalled by the USDA. If you purchased these kabobs, do not eat them and instead discard them immediately.
2. Ritual, Inc. Raw Pet Food: Several flavors of Ritual’s raw pet food products were recalled due to potential contamination with Salmonella and E. coli. If your pet has consumed any of these products, contact your veterinarian or the manufacturer for guidance.
3. Pompeian Olive Oil: As part of a nationwide recall, Pompeian olive oil products were recalled due to contamination with Benzene, a known carcinogen. Do not consume these products and instead return them to the store for a full refund.
4. Smucker’s Uncrustable Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches: Smucker’s has recalled a limited quantity of their Uncrustable Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches due to excessive levels of a sulfite preservative. If you have purchased these sandwiches, check the lot number to ensure it is not affected by the recall.
5. Rice Bowl Recall: A recall was issued for certain lots of rice bowls sold at Costco due to potential contamination with undeclared peanuts. If you have a rice bowl with peanuts, do not consume it and instead return it to the store for a refund.

What to Do if You Have a Recalled Product

If you have a recalled product from Costco, follow these steps:

1. Check the product’s packaging for the recall notice or a batch number.
2. Visit the manufacturer’s website for more information on the recall.
3. Contact the manufacturer or Costco’s customer service department to report the recall.
4. Discard the product immediately to ensure your safety and well-being.
5. If you have a receipt, file a claim with the manufacturer or Costco for a refund or replacement.

Prevention is Key

Food recalls can be attributed to various factors, including contamination during production, handling, and storage. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, always follow proper food storage and handling guidelines. Some steps you can take at home include:

1. Store food at the correct temperature and humidity levels.
2. Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods.
3. Cook food thoroughly to the recommended internal temperature.
4. Avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands regularly and cleaning surfaces frequently.

Stay Informed

To stay up-to-date on the latest food recalls, visit the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service website, the FDA’s website, or check the product manufacturer’s website for recall notices. Additionally, sign up for your local health department’s recall alerts to receive notifications on recalled products in your area.

By being informed and taking proactive steps to prevent foodborne illness, you can ensure your safety and well-being.