FDA butter recall: Over 64,000 pounds of butter recalled due to ‘life-threatening’ milk allergen risk, warning issued

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised the alert level on a major butter recall involving 64,800 pounds of Bunge North America Inc.’s NH European Style Butter Blend, citing the undeclared presence of milk, a known major allergen that poses potentially life‑threatening risks to consumers with milk allergies.

Recall details and timeline

The recall was voluntarily initiated on July 14 by Bunge North America Inc., headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, due to a failure to declare milk on the ingredient label.The FDA elevated the recall to a Class II classification, its second‑highest alert level, on July 30, signaling that exposure may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, with only a remote chance of serious harm.

What has been recalled

Affected product: NH European Style Butter Blend in one‑pound blocks.Lot code: 5064036503.Packaging: white paperboard cases containing 36 blocks per case; total of about 1,800 cases, equating to approximately 64,800 lbs.Distribution: 12 centers across the US and one center in the Dominican Republic.As of early August, no confirmed illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported in connection with the recall.

Risk from milk allergens

Consuming milk allergens can lead to a range of reactions, from mild digestive issues to severe, life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Common symptoms include hives, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. In some cases, milk allergy can trigger anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Here's a detailed breakdown:Allergic reactions: Milk allergy is a common food allergy, particularly in children. It involves the immune system mistakenly identifying milk proteins (like casein and whey) as harmful and launching an attack. This can result in various symptoms: Mild to moderate: Hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and skin rashes. Severe: Anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction characterized by difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat swelling, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure. Lactose intolerance: Many individuals lack sufficient lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. This can lead to: Digestive issues: Abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Other potential issues:Skin problems: Some studies suggest dairy consumption can exacerbate acne and other skin conditions. Hormonal influence: Dairy cows are sometimes given hormones, which may have an impact on the human endocrine system.Notably, the severity of reactions to milk allergens can differ significantly from person to person, and while many children outgrow milk allergy, some may need to avoid milk products throughout their lives.

FDA regulations

Milk is one of the nine major allergens defined by US law, alongside eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame.

The FDA enforces strict labeling requirements under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), and milk remains the most frequent factor behind undeclared allergen recalls in dairy and processed foods.Undeclared milk can provoke reactions ranging from mild itchy hives, vomiting, or lip swelling to anaphylaxis, a severe, life‑threatening immune response that demands immediate medical attention.

Consumer recommendations

Consumers who purchased NH European Style Butter Blend with lot code 5064036503 are urged to stop consuming the product immediately. Those with a known milk allergy or sensitivity should look for the product in their homes and discard it or return it for a refund.If allergic symptoms occur, such as swelling of the face, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, or dizziness, consumers are urged to seek medical care immediately and use emergency medication like epinephrine if prescribed.