Imagine spreading your morning toast with butter, only to learn it might be contaminated. The Cabot Creamery butter recall has shaken up kitchens across seven states, with over 1,700 pounds of their Extra Creamy Premium Sea Salted Butter pulled from shelves. Announced on April 9, 2025, by the FDA, this recall stems from findings suggesting possible fecal contamination due to elevated coliform bacteria levels. If that sounds alarming, don’t worry—I’ve got the full scoop to keep you informed and safe.
This isn’t just a random hiccup. Cabot Creamery, a beloved Vermont-based cooperative, acted swiftly after routine testing flagged the issue. The affected butter, sold in 8-ounce packs with two 4-ounce sticks, carries a “best by” date of September 9, 2025. While the situation sounds gross, the FDA classified it as a Class III recall, meaning it’s unlikely to cause serious health problems. Still, who wants to take chances with their breakfast?
Why the Cabot Creamery Butter Recall Happened
So, what went wrong? Coliform bacteria, found in soil, water, and yes, animal waste, showed up in higher-than-normal amounts during testing. Its presence doesn’t guarantee harmful pathogens like E. coli, but it’s a red flag for unsanitary conditions. Cabot initiated the voluntary recall on March 26, targeting 189 cases distributed in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
Here’s the good news: Cabot claims 99.5% of the product was recovered before it hit consumers. Only 17 packages reportedly reached store shelves, mostly in Vermont. No illnesses have been reported as of April 10, 2025, which is reassuring. But if you’ve got this butter stashed in your fridge, you’ll want to double-check the details.
How to Spot the Recalled Butter
Not sure if your butter’s part of the recall? Look for these specifics on the packaging:
- Product: Cabot Creamery Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted
- Size: 8-ounce package (two 4-ounce sticks)
- Best By Date: September 9, 2025
- Lot Number: 090925-055
- UPC Code: 0 78354 62038 0
Got a match? Don’t panic—toss it out or return it to the store. The FDA hasn’t provided explicit instructions, but better safe than sorry, right?
What This Means for You
Let’s be real: hearing “fecal contamination” tied to a pantry staple is unsettling. Thankfully, the risk here seems low. Coliform itself isn’t usually a health hazard, but its presence hints at bigger issues in processing. Cabot’s quick response shows they’re not messing around, and the limited retail impact softens the blow.
Still, this recall joins a string of food safety alerts lately—think ice cream mix-ups and sausage recalls. It’s a reminder to stay vigilant about what’s in our groceries. For Cabot fans, it’s a rare misstep from a brand known for quality cheddar and community roots. They’re even the official grilled cheese of the Boston Red Sox—talk about a reputation to uphold!
Stay Safe and Savvy
Next time you’re at the store, give those labels a quick scan. The Cabot Creamery butter recall might be a minor blip, but it’s a wake-up call to keep tabs on what we eat. If you’ve ditched the suspect butter, maybe try a local brand or whip up some homemade spread instead. Food safety’s no joke, but with a little know-how, you can keep your kitchen drama-free. What’s your take—ever had a recall scare hit close to home?