Butter recalled in US due to possible fecal bacteria contamination

Agri-Mark Recalls Cabot Creamery Butter in Multiple States

A Vermont-based dairy producer, Agri-Mark, has issued a voluntary recall of its Cabot Creamery sea salt butter amid concerns over contamination with coliform bacteria—a group of microorganisms commonly found in the feces of warm-blooded animals, including humans.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall affects 189 cases of 8-ounce butter packages, totaling approximately 770 kilograms of product. The butter was distributed across seven states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

The FDA officially classified the recall as Class III, the lowest level in terms of potential health risk, indicating that the product is unlikely to cause adverse health effects.

Details of the Affected Product

The recalled butter is identified by lot number 090925-055, with a best-by date of September 9. It is listed under item code 2038 and was pulled from distribution channels on March 26, with the recall process still ongoing.

Agri-Mark confirmed that it successfully recovered 99.5% of the potentially affected butter before it reached consumers. However, the company acknowledged that 17 packages were sold to consumers in Vermont prior to the recall notice.

In a statement, company officials said they have taken "appropriate internal actions" to investigate and address the source of the contamination.

Health Risks Associated with Coliform Bacteria

Coliform bacteria are not necessarily harmful in themselves but can serve as indicators of possible contamination by more dangerous pathogens, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli). These bacteria are typically found in the environment as well as in the intestines of humans and animals.

Though coliform presence does not always signal danger, ingestion of certain pathogenic strains can result in gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. Vulnerable populations—such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems—are at greater risk for complications.

Fortunately, there have been no reported illnesses linked to the recalled butter as of the FDA’s latest update.

Consumer Advisory

Consumers who have purchased the recalled Cabot Creamery butter are advised not to consume the product and to either return it to the point of purchase or safely discard it. Anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming the butter should consult a healthcare provider as a precaution.

More details, including recall updates and safety guidelines, are available on the FDA’s official website.

While the public health risk remains minimal in this instance, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous food safety monitoring and transparent communication between producers, regulators, and consumers.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more updates on product recalls and consumer safety alerts.