The Butter in Your Fridge Could Be a Hidden Hazard
What looks like an ordinary block of butter may actually be carrying a hidden danger.
Federal officials have announced a sweeping recall of nearly 6,500 pounds of butter, warning that the product contains undeclared milk, one of the most common and potentially serious food allergens.
For families with allergies, a mistake like this could transform a kitchen staple into a medical emergency.
What Triggered the Recall
Bunge North America, a food ingredient supplier based in Chesterfield, Missouri, initiated the recall after identifying a labeling error on its NH European Style Butter Blend. The butter contains milk—but the packaging failed to declare it.
The recall, first classified as Class III (low risk), was later upgraded by the FDA to Class II, indicating the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects.
How to Spot the Recalled Product
If you’ve purchased butter recently, check your packaging carefully. The recalled product has the following identifiers:
Product Code: 5023937
UPC: 10078684739612
Lot Code: 5064036503
The butter was shipped in white paperboard cases, each containing 36 blocks.
Why This Is Serious
Milk allergies are among the most common in the U.S., especially in children. Reactions can range from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Federal law—the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004—requires that major allergens like milk appear clearly on all food labels.
Failing to disclose an allergen is not only a violation of this law but a direct threat to consumer safety.
What Consumers Should Do
Do not eat the butter—even if no one in your household has a milk allergy.
Dispose of it safely or return it for a refund. Most stores will accept the product without a receipt.
Never donate or share recalled butter, as it could put others at risk.
Anyone who consumes the butter and develops symptoms such as swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing should seek emergency medical care immediately.
Distribution and Reach
The recalled butter was shipped to 12 U.S. distribution centers and one in the Dominican Republic, reaching supermarkets, restaurants, and even Amazon shoppers. Because of its wide distribution, the recalled butter could be in kitchens far beyond Missouri, where Bunge is headquartered.
A Pattern of Problems
This is not the first butter recall in recent months. Earlier this year, Agri-Mark Inc. recalled over 1,700 pounds of Cabot Creamery butter due to potential bacterial contamination. While that recall was smaller in scale, it highlights a troubling trend: food recalls linked to labeling and safety lapses are on the rise.
A recent survey of “dairy-free” chocolates found that 6.2% still contained milk, showing how easily allergens can slip through production without strict oversight.
Final Word
This butter recall is more than an isolated mistake—it’s a stark reminder that quality control failures in food production can have real consequences for families. With nearly 6,500 pounds of mislabeled butter spread across the nation, consumers are urged to stay vigilant, check product codes, and treat labeling errors as a serious health risk.
Food safety depends on transparency, accountability, and awareness. Until those systems are airtight, even the simplest grocery item can carry hidden dangers.