FDA Issues Major Recall : 64,800 Pounds of Butter Pulled Due to Undeclared Milk-Health Food
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| FDA Issues Major Recall |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a serious warning involving a large butter recall across the country. Over 64,000 pounds of butter are being pulled from stores because of an undeclared milk allergen — and that’s a big deal for people with allergies.
Let’s break down everything you need to know in simple terms.
What Happened?
On July 14, 2025, a company named Bunge North America Inc. announced a voluntary recall of its NH European Style Butter Blend. The reason? The butter may contain milk, but that milk was not mentioned on the product label.
For most people, this might not seem like a big problem. But for people who are allergic to milk, this kind of mistake can be very dangerous.
Why Is This Serious?
Milk is one of the top nine food allergens. The FDA requires food companies to list allergens clearly on the label. If someone with a milk allergy eats this butter without knowing what's inside, it could lead to a serious allergic reaction — and in some cases, even a life-threatening emergency called anaphylaxis.
Even small amounts of milk can be harmful for people with allergies, so labeling mistakes like this are taken very seriously.
FDA Upgrades the Warning
On July 30, 2025, the FDA officially elevated the recall to a Class II recall.
Here’s what that means:
A Class II recall means the product could cause temporary or medically treatable health issues.
It also means the chance of something very serious happening is low — but it’s still not safe for certain people, especially those with allergies.
This is the second-highest warning level the FDA can issue.
Product Details: What to Look For
Here’s exactly what’s being recalled:
Product name: NH European Style Butter Blend (1-pound size)
UPC code: 1 00 78684 73961 2
Lot code: 5064036503
Packaging: Sold in white cardboard cases, each with 36 one-pound blocks of butter
The recalled butter was shipped to 12 distribution centers across the U.S. and one in the Dominican Republic. It may have been sold at major grocery chains like Walmart and Kroger, among others.
What Should You Do?
If you or anyone in your home is allergic to milk, here’s what you need to do right away:
Check your butter – Look for the brand, UPC code, and lot number listed above.
Do not eat it – If it matches the recall information, don’t take the risk.
Return it – Most stores will allow you to return recalled items for a full refund.
Dispose safely – If you don’t return it, throw it away so no one else eats it by mistake.
If someone eats the butter by accident and starts showing allergy symptoms — like swelling, hives, trouble breathing, or vomiting — seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Milk Allergy
People with milk allergies may experience different types of reactions. Some are mild, and others can be life-threatening.
Common symptoms include:
Skin rash or hives
Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
Swelling of lips or face
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Dizziness or fainting
Fast heartbeat
Skin rash or hives
Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
Swelling of lips or face
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Dizziness or fainting
Fast heartbeat
The most serious reaction is anaphylaxis which needs immediate emergency treatment, usually with an epinephrine injection (EpiP)en) and a trip to the hospital.
Has Anyone Been Hurt?
As of now, no allergic reactions or injuries have been reported. But the recall was done as a precaution to protect the public — especially those who may not realize the butter contains milk.
Better safe than sorry!
Why Did the Recall Happen?
Bunge North America Inc. discovered that milk was present in the product but not declared on the label. This kind of labeling mistake could happen during packaging, manufacturing, or recipe changes.
After discovering the issue, the company quickly contacted the FDA and initiated the recall. They have also promised to review their labeling and safety checks to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What Is the FDA’s Role in Recalls?
The FDA oversees food safety in the U.S. When a product is found to be unsafe — either through a company’s testing or a consumer report — the FDA works with the manufacturer to take action.
There are three types of recalls:
Class I: The most serious — could cause death or serious health problems.
Class II: Could cause temporary or reversible health problems (this butter recall falls here).
Class III: Least serious — not likely to cause harm, but still violates food safety rules.
In this case, the butter recall was upgraded to Class II, which means the FDA sees it as a real but limited health risk.
How Big Is the Recall?
Let’s look at the numbers:
Total amount recalled: 64,800 pounds of butter
That’s 1,800 full cases of product
Each case includes 36 one-pound blocks
Distributed to 12 states in the U.S. and 1 location overseas
That’s a lot of butter!
What Can You Learn from This?
This butter recall is a good reminder for everyone to:
Always read food labels carefully
Especially if someone in your home has a food allergy
Store food packaging until you finish the product — in case there’s a recall and you need the lot code
Pay attention to news alerts from the FDA or local health departments
Even familiar foods from trusted brands can sometimes pose hidden risks, especially for people with allergies.
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