Butter recalled for potential fecal contamination: What to know

Butter that was distributed to several U.S. states has been recalled due to coliform bacteria, raising concerns about potential fecal contamination.

The recall, which was shared in a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, applies to Cabot Creamery Extra Creamy Sea-Salted Premium Butter, which was distributed by Agri-Mark. 

Here’s what to know: 

Cabot Creamery butter recall

What we know:

The FDA said in the notice that 189 cases – or 1,701 pounds – of butter were being recalled starting on March 26. The impacted products were packaged as two, 4-ounce sticks in cardboard shells with the UPC code 0 78354 62038 0 and the lot code 090925-055. They have a Best-By date of 09/09/25.

The FDA notice states that the butter was distributed to Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Arkansas. A statement from Cabot Creamery about the voluntary recall, dated April 9, states that "99.5% of the lot of the recalled product" had been recovered before it was sold to consumers. 

However, 17 packages (8.5 lbs.) were sold to consumers in Vermont.

Dig deeper:

The FDA said the sticks of butter were "contaminated with elevated levels of coliform," which is a type of bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals. However, there have been no reported complaints or illnesses related to the recall, according to the company. 

Additionally, the FDA classified the event as a Class III recall, which is the lowest category and means the products are "not likely to cause adverse health consequences."

FILE - Close-up of sliced English muffin with a pat of butter in Walnut Creek, California, on Nov. 7, 2024. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

What they're saying:

"Agri-Mark has identified the cause and has taken the appropriate internal actions to address it," the statement from Cabot Creamery said. "No other products were affected. Agri-Mark is dedicated to food safety and producing quality products and is always monitoring its products for compliance."

It added: "There have been a variety of news reports that are incomplete and have dramatically misrepresented this recall with respect to the risk it posed to consumers."