Major Butter Brand Recall Due to Potentially “Elevated” Levels of Fecal Matter

If you’ve recently purchased any butter, you’re certainly going to want to double-check your stash. According to a recent notice from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Agri-Mark, Inc. is voluntarily recalling an estimated 1,701 pounds (189 cases) of butter because it is “contaminated with elevated levels of coliform.” Coliform is a type of bacteria that is found in soil, and is always present in the digestive tracts of animals, including humans. It is also found in human and animal waste.

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Per the FDA, the recalled item is Cabot Creamery Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted. The butter, which is sold in 8-ounce packages, contains two sticks of butter in a cardboard box. The recalled butter has a UPC of 0 78354 62038 0 and a “best by” date of 09/09/25. Additionally, the lot number for the butter is 090925-055, and the item number is 2038.

The now-recalled butter was distributed to grocery stores in seven states—Arkansas, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. Shoppers in possession of this butter should dispose of it immediately, and clean any surfaces that the butter may have touched.

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The FDA noted that while the recall was initiated on March 26, it was classified as a Class III recall on April 8. Per the FDA website, a Class III recall is defined as “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”

While most coliform bacteria are not harmful, the presence of coliform is an indication of potential fecal contamination. Additionally, fecal coliform can lead to stomach pains, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal illnesses. The presence of coliform can be indicative of a higher risk of pathogens, including E. coli, being present.